Tel Aviv Central District Renewal Plan Approved, Adding 14,000 Housing Units

The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee has approved a major urban renewal plan for city center districts 5 and 6. According to the Planning Administration, the plan is expected to add approximately 14,000 housing units, alongside the renovation of existing buildings and improvements to seismic and protective resilience. The plan covers about 1,700 dunams (approximately 420 acres) in central Tel Aviv, bordered by Bograshov and Shaul Hamelech streets to the north, Yitzhak Elhanan to the south, Hayarkon to the west, and Menachem Begin and Sprinzak streets to the east. This initiative follows the approval of similar plans for districts 3 and 4.

The renewal strategy allows for individual lot development, either through strengthening and adding to existing structures or by demolition and complete rebuilding. Building rights will be determined by lot size, building lines, and permitted height, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 stories depending on the specific area. A significant portion of the plan area falls within the "White City," a UNESCO World Heritage site, necessitating strict adherence to preserving building volumes, historical lot divisions, and the area's architectural character. Buildings designated for preservation are exempt from the general plan and require individual planning review for any renewal.

For new construction on lots larger than 700 square meters, the plan mandates the allocation of built spaces for public uses such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and cultural and community facilities, aiming to accommodate population growth. The plan integrates with the area's public transportation network, including the Red Line of the light rail, future Green and Purple lines, and three planned metro stations. Its compatibility with National Outline Plan 70 has also been assessed.

Shira Talmi Babai, Chairwoman of the District Planning and Building Committee, stated that the plan was advanced rapidly to provide certainty and encourage building renewal for protection and reinforcement, especially given the ongoing emergency situation. Tel Aviv District Planner Erez Ben Eliezer added that the plan promotes diverse and accessible housing, strengthens existing street-level commerce, and creates active, quality street frontages, all while preserving the historic architectural charm of the city center. The plan was submitted by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Local Planning and Building Committee and prepared by City Engineer Udi Carmeli.