Jerusalem's Historic Orion Cinema to Be Demolished and Rebuilt
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Jerusalem's District Planning Committee approved plans to demolish and rebuild the historic Orion Cinema complex. The site will feature two residential towers and a hotel, with the cinema's facade preserved and its cultural functions restored. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio criticized the plan, warning of irreversible damage to Jerusalem's character. The project is set to include a new public square and is located on approximately 4.5 dunams in the city center.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem's District Planning Committee approved plans for the Orion Cinema complex.
- The project includes two residential towers and a 12-story hotel.
- The historic Orion Cinema will be demolished and rebuilt, retaining its facade.
- Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio warned of permanent loss to Jerusalem's character.
- The complex is located on approximately 4.5 dunams in the city center.
The Jerusalem District Planning Committee has approved plans for the Orion Cinema complex, which includes the demolition of the historic cinema and the construction of two residential towers, 30 and 34 stories high, alongside a 12-story hotel on the cinema's roof. The project, covering approximately 4.5 dunams in the city center, is branded as "preservation," though the Orion building itself will be reconstructed. The cinema, originally opened in 1938, will retain its facade and is slated to resume showing films and hosting cultural events. A public square surrounded by shops is also planned for the area, adjacent to the Lipschutz College, which is also designated for preservation within the complex.
Despite the project's preservation branding, Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio expressed concern, stating, "Jerusalem's character, preserved for generations, will be lost forever."
