Beit Shemesh Approves Massive Housing Project for Ultra-Orthodox Community

The District Planning and Building Commission has approved a plan for the construction of approximately 16,000 housing units in the heart of Beit Shemesh. The "Central Quarter" project, spanning about 1,000 dunams (247 acres), is designed to accommodate the needs of the ultra-Orthodox population and is intended to create a "new city within the city."

The plan includes significant employment and commercial areas, educational and public institutions, green spaces, and a public transportation network. Residential buildings will be up to nine stories high. Specific provisions address construction near the Belz neighborhood, relocating housing from adjacent to existing buildings on Tchelet Mordechai Street, and prioritizing open spaces in that area.

A key aspect of the approval emphasizes phased development, ensuring that road networks, public buildings, and open spaces are developed concurrently with housing. A portion of the employment complex will be advanced alongside the first housing phase, and occupancy will be contingent on the completion of necessary infrastructure and public facilities for each section.

The quarter is designed based on the "15-minute city" concept, allowing residents to access essential services on foot. This development is expected to connect Beit Shemesh's newer levels with its older neighborhoods and is a central component of the city's strategy to accommodate growth to an estimated 500,000 residents.

Shimon Goldberg, acting mayor and chairman of the local planning committee, hailed the plan as a strategic boon for Beit Shemesh's future, emphasizing the integrated development approach that will create a high-quality district meeting residents' needs and connecting different parts of the city.