The Jewish Community Centre for London (JCC) project was initiated by Dame Vivien Duffield following an inspirational visit to the Jewish Community Centres of North America in 2002.
The UK project began life towards the end of 2003, following a feasibility study commissioned by the Foundation. This revealed a need for a recreational, non-denominational space for Jews in London, based on similar centres in other European countries and in the United States.
Following a launch event in October 2003, Juliet Simmons was appointed as Creative Director to begin programming for the proposed Centre, which it is hoped will be up and running by 2010. The project became a separate charity in the summer of 2004.
A Chief Executive, Nick Viner, was appointed in September 2006, and an extensive programme of events, a ‘JCC Without Walls', is now up and running at venues across London. A site on Finchley Road, North West London, has now been identified. After an international architectural competition in early 2007, architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands were chosen to create an outstanding design for the JCC's home.
However, following a change in the economic climate, the Board of Trustees of the JCC decided in late July 2008 not proceed with their original plans for the Finchley Road site and have asked the architects to review available options. For more information please see the most recent press release
For more information, visit the JCC for London's website.