Ness Ziona Approves First Urban Renewal Project Amid Construction Limits
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Ness Ziona has approved its first urban renewal "pinui-binui" project, demolishing seven old buildings with 120 apartments to construct nine new buildings with 387 units. This marks a significant shift after years of strict building limitations aimed at preserving the city's character. The project is expected to generate approximately 168 million shekels in gross profit and address the high demand for housing in the desirable city.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ness Ziona approved its first urban renewal project, replacing 120 old apartments with 387 new ones.
- The project involves demolishing seven old buildings to construct nine new ones up to 14 stories high.
- The city, a desirable and expensive area, has historically faced construction limits and limited housing supply.
- New master plan allows for up to 14-story buildings, overcoming previous economic barriers for developers.
- The project is projected to yield a gross profit of approximately 168 million shekels.
Ness Ziona has approved its first urban renewal project, a "pinui-binui" (demolish and rebuild) initiative, after years of construction restrictions. Seven old buildings containing 120 apartments will be demolished to make way for nine new buildings with a total of 387 units. This project is expected to significantly alter the city's skyline with buildings up to 14 stories high and triple the number of residences in the designated area. The new construction will include 120 apartments for existing residents and 267 units for sale on the open market.
The city, located in the Shefela region, is known for its high socioeconomic status, ranking at level 8 out of 10, and is considered one of the most desirable and expensive areas. Its appeal stems from a community atmosphere, green spaces, a leading education system, and proximity to the Science Park, creating strong demand for housing. Historically limited supply and high demand have driven average apartment prices above 3.2 million shekels.
Previous municipal policy favored a conservative planning approach to preserve the city's "colony city" character, limiting new construction to four to six stories. This made "pinui-binui" projects economically unviable for developers. Additionally, many older buildings were well-maintained, and the affluent population had less incentive to undertake complex relocation and rebuilding processes.
However, concerns about the safety of bomb shelters and physical infrastructure in buildings from the 1950s and 60s, coupled with government pressure to densify urban centers, prompted the municipality to establish an urban management unit and create a new master plan (Ness/2040). This plan now permits construction up to 14 stories in specific zones.
The project, named "Pilots' Complex," is projected to generate a gross profit of approximately 168 million shekels, representing a 20% gross profit margin. Marketing is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with significant demand anticipated due to the city's limited new housing supply. The development will also include amenities for residents, green spaces, pedestrian and bicycle paths, underground parking, and areas for public services. Alex Mariash, CEO of Hishov Urban Renewal, stated that the project signifies true urban renewal by improving quality of life, revitalizing the urban fabric, and creating a quality living environment for future generations in a city with limited new housing options.
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