Video: Scaffolding surrounds the former synagogue, on Shakespeare Street.
Nottingham Trent University says it will restore a former synagogue to have its own building to host students’ graduation ceremonies beginning next summer.
The university purchased the Shakespeare Street Synagogue in January where the Nottingham Hebrew Congregation was formerly based.
The congregation has since moved location, and the university says it plans to restore the listed building, which dates back to 1854, for graduation ceremonies: the formal process where students collect their degree certificates dressed in academic gowns and hats.
The new building will be called The University Hall and it is thought the first graduation ceremony will take place in July 2018.
The ceremonies have been held at the Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, since 1983.
Ceremonies take place in the winter and summer and it is thought the winter ceremonies, in January 2018, are likely to be held at the current venue.
But the summer ceremonies, in July 2018, will take place at the former synagogue.
Students Ben Brown and Matt Myers, both 21, will graduate that summer.
Ben said: “The concert hall has been used for some years and, in my view, should remain part of the graduation process as it’s something many students look forward to after their years of hard work.”
Matt added: “I haven’t seen the new building. I would have thought, though, part of the excitement was because the concert hall was so big.
“It’s an interesting decision. But as I haven’t seen the new place which could turn out better.”
Zubair Durrani is a PhD student and graduated at the Royal Concert Hall with a masters degree in business management and HR in 2011.
He said: “They [Nottingham Trent] should have their own building. The Royal Concert Hall, just around the corner, is not their own building.
“Students’ relatives and parents are coming and there’s an expectation it [the graduation ceremony] should be in the university or in the university’s own building.
“If there’s a building specifically for graduation I think it would be extremely attractive.”
George Kane, 20, is a psychology student and will graduate in 2020.
He said: “The building I graduate in doesn’t matter to me. I’ve seen this building before. I’d be happy to graduate there. The type of building doesn’t bother me, as long as it’s fit-for-purpose that’s absolutely fine.
“Now we’ve got some Trent ground where we can graduate in, it makes it more university-like and Trent.”
The synagogue will also host lectures delivered by guest speakers, part of the university’s ‘Distinguished Lecture series’.
A spokesperson for the university said: “Nottingham Trent University has purchased 48 Shakespeare Street with the intention of restoring it for use, from 2018, for occasions such as student graduation ceremonies and our Distinguished Lecture series.
“This is subject to detailed plans being approved by the local authority.
“Built in 1854 designed by Thomas Stimpson, this building adds to the university’s portfolio of listed buildings with architectural significance, and ensures sympathetic restoration.”
