The demise of the Great Synagogue and the New Synagogue, in 1983 and 1985 respectively, necessitated a new larger synagogue to serve the whole of the UHC. As no further extension of the Moortown Synagogue was possible, a plot of land on Shadwell Lane was purchased and Mr Peter Langtry - Langton was appointed architect for a new synagogue which was opened in 1986.
The building is of an unusual design; there is no conventional ladies' balcony and there is provision for extension into the banquet hall for the High Festivals when most of the members attend. Certain features, like parts of the Bimah from the New Synagogue and the Pulpit from the Great Synagogue, were sensitively retained in the new interior; the whole building being designed around the stained glass windows taken from the Great Synagogue.
In 1992 Rabbi Brown retired and Rabbi Ian Goodhardt was appointed. He has since left for Melbourne, Australia, and the pulpit is now occupied by the energetic Rabbi Daniel Levy, previously of Cardiff.
To read more about the history behind the UHC and the previous synagogues in Leeds, please see the following sections:
Courtesy: Murray Freedman, UHC 150th Anniversary Brochure