Ramlah and Rehovot Approve Major Housing and Student Dormitory Projects Near Future Metro Stations

The Central District Planning and Building Committee, chaired by Attorney Micha Gadron, has approved two significant urban development plans near future metro stations in central Israel. In Ramlah, a new urban renewal plan was deposited for the northern industrial area, known as "Ramlah North Gate," aiming to revitalize the industrial zone adjacent to the future Tel Hai metro station, Highway 40, and the Brown line of the electric mass transit system. The plan includes construction of approximately 1,700 residential units in buildings ranging from 9 to 30 stories, with a focus on small and medium-sized apartments (about 60% under 80 square meters) to accommodate diverse populations and encourage living near public transit. It also designates 588,000 square meters for employment spaces, including commercial and hotel uses, 210,000 square meters for public buildings, and 35 dunams of open public spaces. The plan also regularizes housing in the predominantly Arab Gan HaKal neighborhood, adding 80 new housing units and formalizing 15 buildings on agricultural land.

Separately, the committee gave final approval to a new student dormitory complex at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, near the future Weizmann metro station and the Israel Railways Rehovot station. The project, designed by Kimel Ashkolot Architects and submitted by the Weizmann Institute, will replace the existing Sami Cohen dormitory (36 units) with four new buildings, including two 25-story towers with commercial space on Herzl Street and two additional buildings in the rear. The plan provides 805 housing units for students and staff and about 900 square meters of commercial space, emphasizing preservation of mature trees on site. The expansion addresses the growing need for student housing, including international students and researchers, at one of Israel's leading multidisciplinary research institutes.

Both plans align with national urban renewal policies and transit-oriented development principles, aiming to enhance economic viability and livability near key transportation hubs. Opponents of the Mikveh Israel plan, also recently approved, have vowed to continue their fight, but the committee rejected their appeals. These projects reflect ongoing efforts to integrate housing, employment, and public spaces around Israel's expanding metro network.