Abraham Levy Centre sold

Port Elizabeth's Reverend Abraham Levy Centre in Perridgevale was sold earlier this year to property developers. Port Elizabeth Hebrew Congregation president Denzil Levy, after whose father the centre is named, said the multi-million rand deal was signed after a unanimous vote by congregation members. The main synagogue will be converted into about 25 residential units in an upmarket loft style. The complex consists of the main synagogue and the adjoining Abraham Levy hall and ancillary rooms, a flat and upstairs office. A small synagogue in the main hall will continue to be used for worship by the congregation. Levy, an architect by profession, said the synagogue’s congregation was down from a once-flourishing 1 200 to 280. The synagogue was built in 1955 and the Abraham Levy Centre in 1970. The buildings were too expensive to maintain and this was the reason behind the sale.