Jerusalem city council approves construction of high-rise urban renewal project

Project to also feature two 20-plus-story towers, shopping center, synagogue, kindergarten and park in the capital's Kiryat Yovel neighborhood.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Artist rendering of Jerusalem urban renewal project. (photo credit: DAN EITAN AND RUTH LAHAV-RIGG)
Artist rendering of Jerusalem urban renewal project.
(photo credit: DAN EITAN AND RUTH LAHAV-RIGG)
The Jerusalem Municipality announced on Sunday that a proposal for the construction of 408 housing units in two 20-plus-story high-rise towers above a shopping center, featuring public space for a kindergarten, synagogue and park, has been approved in Kiryat Yovel.
The urban renewal project is set to involve demolishing a number of presently deteriorating structures in the area, and will feature a rebuilt complex on some 12.65 acres of land.
The plan was initiated by a private development firm, which won the tender presented by the Israel Lands Authority following an “urban renewal challenge” presented in coordination with the municipality.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat lauded the flagship project as a major coup in the capital’s ongoing urban renewal efforts.
“The key to success of construction and urban renewal is organizing residents,” he said. “While this initiative came from the municipality’s duty to give our residents the support they need... I invite other entrepreneurs to rise to the challenge.”
A spokesman for the developer responsible for the project echoed Barkat’s sentiments.
“One should welcome the...real need of rehabilitation and upgrading of existing buildings and the welfare of residents in the project area,” he said. “The restoration and renovation of the buildings involved in the project will lead to a significant improvement in the lives and well-being of residents.”
While the area being renovated is presently home to a number of elderly residents, the municipality said it hopes to also attract young families to live in the new buildings. It is unclear when construction will begin, or when the project is scheduled to be completed.