Urban Renewal Momentum Builds in Pardes Hanna-Karkur
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Pardes Hanna-Karkur is experiencing a surge in urban renewal projects after a decade of delays, with demolitions and new constructions now underway. Key developments include Shi Hai company's project on HaTzefira street and Groupit's upcoming demolition on Derech LaMerhav. A new urban renewal administration has been established to expedite processes, and significant future growth is projected, with thousands of new housing units expected within the next decade. The town is balancing development with efforts to preserve its unique character.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Urban renewal projects in Pardes Hanna-Karkur are accelerating after a decade of stagnation.
- Shi Hai and Groupit are leading demolition and construction efforts on HaTzefira and Derech LaMerhav streets.
- A new urban renewal administration has been formed to streamline bureaucratic processes.
- Thousands of new housing units are projected to be built in Pardes Hanna-Karkur over the next decade.
- Developers are optimistic about demand, calling the urban renewal barrier "broken."
- The town is working to balance development with preserving its rural character.
After a decade of stalled urban renewal projects, Pardes Hanna-Karkur is finally seeing significant progress, with demolition and construction underway in several key areas. The town, which has grown to 50,000 residents, is transitioning from its agricultural roots to accommodate a larger population while striving to maintain its unique character. This shift is marked by the recent demolition of the first urban renewal complex on HaTzefira Street by Shi Hai company, which involved tearing down three buildings with 36 apartments to make way for 80 new units. Notably, the developer secured rights for an additional 70 apartments in a separate project, totaling 150 units for the developer in two phases, a strategy involving supplementary land that is rare in Israel.
Another major project set to begin demolition next week on Derech LaMerhav street, by Groupit company, will replace 28 existing apartments with 124 new ones in two 16-story buildings. These developments follow the establishment of a dedicated urban renewal administration, jointly funded by the local council and the national Authority for Urban Renewal, aimed at streamlining bureaucratic processes. Michal Modai, head of the Authority, highlighted that beyond developer-led plans, two significant projects are being advanced in cooperation with the local council, including the Yachzkel-Geula complex, slated to increase housing from 256 to 1,073 units, and the Etzion complex, from 228 to 838 units.
Shi Hai is currently the leading developer in the area, with multiple projects in various stages, including plans to replace 100 units with 400 at the Kennedy complex and 168 units with 670 at the Agud complex. Electra also has a project on HaTzefira street, planning to build 679 units where 175 currently stand. Modai estimates that within 5-10 years, approximately 2,000 housing units will be realized through urban renewal in Pardes Hanna-Karkur. Meir Hersh from Groupit expressed optimism, stating the "urban renewal barrier has been broken" due to strong demand in the area, which is neither purely central nor peripheral but offers a desirable location. Shai Naoor from Shi Hai mentioned efforts to address character concerns through alternative land deals and supplementary land solutions for other projects.
The local council is navigating the delicate balance between development and preserving the town's rural character, with plans generally aiming to avoid exceeding 17-story buildings, especially in areas with private homes and a more pastoral feel. The town's strategic location, including a train station and proximity to major routes, has driven demand and property values, making it an attractive prospect for developers seeking to capitalize on the potential for comprehensive urban renewal over the next 10-15 years.
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