Dear Friends of Jewish Heritage,
Re: ‘Mother Levy’s: The former Jewish Maternity Hospital, 24-6 Underwood Road and Vallance Road, Whitechapel, London, E1
I am writing to ask you to support the campaign to stop the complete demolition of this site that dates from 1911 and was extended in 1927-8 by Jewish architect Ernest Joseph (designer of Shell Mex House on The Strand and of a number of synagogues). Opposition to the demolition was initiated and is being led by veteran campaigner Tom Ridge who lives in the East End.
Apparently, developers The Peabody Trust are already dismantling the building, contrary to a written assurance to me, thus preempting a proper debate at the Public Consultation scheduled for next Monday, 7th November. Their controversial housing proposals, designed by Angela Brady, the new President of the RIBA, will be on display at the Osmani Community Centre in Underwood Road from 3pm to 7pm next Monday. The project architects will be on hand to explain their scheme.
Please support my compromise proposal to save the two attractive cottages on Underwood Road and to have an English Heritage Blue Plaque affixed to the front of the building in commemoration of the work of the Home’s founder, the pioneering Jewish health worker Alice Model. Peabody would then be free to develop the rest of the site for affordable housing for local people in line with their own historic tradition in the East End.
Complete demolition would NOT, as claimed on Peabody’s website (21st October) achieve ‘a balance between the history of the site and the needs of the local community’.
Please support the campaign by:-
1. Signing the online Petition which can be found at https://east-end-waterway-group.uk
More information is posted on this website including correspondence and Campaign Newsletters plus links to press coverage etc.
2, Attending the Public Consultation next Monday 7th November at the Osmani Community Hall 2, 58 Underwood Road, London, E1 from 3pm to 7pm
Unless there is strong opposition and plenty of publicity, the demolition is looking increasingly likely.
In anticipation, thank you for your support,
Dr Sharman Kadish
Director, Jewish Heritage UK