Tel Aviv Approves Major Expansion for Dizengoff Center

The Tel Aviv Local Planning and Building Committee has recommended advancing plans for a significant expansion of the Dizengoff Center's commercial section. The proposed development, covering approximately 24.2 dunams (6 acres) bordered by Dizengoff, King George, and Tchernichovsky streets, will add three full floors and one partial floor to the existing commercial structure, raising its height to seven stories above the entrance level. The two existing towers in the complex, a 26-story residential tower with about 220 apartments and a 14-story office tower, will remain unchanged.

The revised plan increases the planned floor additions from 2.5 to 3 stories. While the public garden area has been slightly reduced in the current proposal, the rooftop will feature extensive urban agriculture and a public park. Approximately 8 dunams (2 acres) of the rooftop are designated for urban farming, with 5 dunams planned as a public park, though the plan mandates public access to at least 3.5 dunams of this space.

In addition to the commercial expansion, the project includes a 40-50 room hotel, described as a hostel, and a residential component designated for permanent rental. This will comprise 85 micro-apartments, each between 27-35 square meters, above the commercial area. About 15% of these units will be designated as affordable housing, rented at a regulated price reflecting a 40% discount for 25 years.

The expansion will add 32,860 square meters to the complex's current 134,289 square meters. The plan also allocates around 2,000 square meters for public use and an adjacent 750 square meters for open spaces, potentially suitable for daycare centers. Additionally, an underground logistics center is planned, along with the renovation of the 'Lev' cinema and the complex's sports center.

The Dizengoff Center is located within the buffer zone of Tel Aviv's UNESCO White City declaration. An impact assessment concluded that the proposed volume does not compromise the integrity or values of the White City. In line with Tel Aviv Municipality's parking policies, no new parking spaces will be added to accommodate the expansion. The plan was initiated by Dizengoff Center Ltd., owned by the Pilz family, heirs of Plato Sharon, the Tel Aviv Municipality, and private owners, with Gidi Bar Orian serving as the architect.