Israel's First '15-Minute City' Project Launched in Beit Shemesh

Beit Shemesh is set to become home to Israel's first "15-minute city" neighborhood, a concept where most daily services are accessible within a short walk. The new central district is planned to house approximately 80,000 residents, featuring around 16,000 housing units in buildings up to nine stories high, with no skyscrapers. About 1,000 of these units will be small, under 35 square meters.

The development emphasizes accessibility, with educational institutions, commercial areas, employment centers, parks, and other services designed to be within a 15-minute walk for residents. The plan also includes significant open spaces, incorporating the restoration of stream tributaries and the creation of two lakes, Yamla and Yeshay.

Educational facilities in the new district will be adapted to the needs of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, with schools and learning campuses planned to be up to seven stories tall. The overall design aims to reduce the need for long commutes by integrating residential, commercial, employment, public services, and transportation within the neighborhood.

The project, submitted by "Gut In Gut Beit Shemesh" and designed by SYL - Yigal Levi Architects, is inspired by similar urban planning concepts seen in Europe. Notably, the article mentions Steve Witkoff in relation to the project, though his specific role is not detailed.