Afula Approves First Urban Renewal Project, Replacing 31 Homes With 229 Apartments

The Northern District Planning and Building Commission has approved for deposit the "Hadasim" urban renewal project in Afula, marking the city's first "pinui-binui" (evacuate-and-build) initiative to reach this stage. The plan involves demolishing six existing buildings containing 31 housing units and constructing 229 new apartments in their place, a more than sevenfold increase. The project, promoted by Rachmani Group, covers approximately 5.6 acres in the city's old center, at the intersection of Hativah Tsha, Hadasim, and Rimon streets, near the municipal cultural center.

The new construction will include a 25-story residential tower and two 10-story buildings. Approximately 46 of the new units will be small apartments, under 80 square meters. A new urban plaza will be created at the corner of Hativah Tsha and Hadasim streets, facing the cultural center, with commercial spaces on the ground floors of the residential buildings. The plan also allocates space for a public building up to six stories high and includes two underground parking levels.

This project aligns with Afula's master plan, designating the city center and Hativah Tsha axis as key development zones. It aims to revitalize the old city center by integrating intensive urban construction with public spaces, commercial areas, shaded trees, and public transport accessibility.

Dekla Adi Peretz, Northern District Planner at the Planning Administration, stated that the Hadasim project is the first "pinui-binui" in Afula and represents a significant milestone for the city's development and the renewal of its old urban fabric. She added that the plan will renew, strengthen, and secure buildings while creating a quality living environment and significant public space.

Boaz Yosef, Chairman of the Northern District Planning and Building Commission, called the approval a "significant message" for Afula and a milestone for urban renewal. He expressed hope that this decision will be the first of many such projects to be advanced in Afula in the coming years, aiming to renew the old city center with modern construction and improved public spaces.