Haifa Approves Plan for 65-Story Tower in Major Urban Renewal Project

Haifa's local planning committee has recommended advancing a large-scale urban renewal plan in the Kiryat Eliezer neighborhood, which includes constructing three towers, the tallest reaching 65 stories and approximately 246 meters high. The project, named The Gateway and promoted by the Shoval Group, involves demolishing four old four-story residential buildings and replacing them with 618 new housing units spread across towers of 65, 51, and 35 floors.

Beyond residential units, the development will feature commercial and employment spaces, student dormitories, public institutions including an elementary school, an underground parking facility, and a public observation deck atop the tallest tower. The developers envision the complex as the "southern gateway" to Haifa's main business district due to its proximity to major transportation routes, a train station, and Metronit lines.

However, the project still faces significant hurdles before final approval. It has not yet been designated as an official urban renewal area by the government authority and requires approval from the regional planning committee. The regional planning office has expressed reservations about the towers' exceptional height, suggesting that the planning goals might be achievable with lower buildings. If the extra floors are approved, they are expected to serve public and commercial purposes and meet high architectural standards.