Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv Plans Major Expansion, Adding Floors and Public Park

A significant expansion plan for Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Center is currently in its early planning stages, potentially adding up to seven floors to the existing four-story commercial structure. The proposal, which aims to increase the built-up area by approximately 32,860 square meters above ground and 6,650 square meters below, was presented to a local planning committee for recommendation to the district committee. The existing residential and office towers will remain unchanged.

The expansion includes the addition of 85 micro-apartments for long-term rental, ranging from 27 to 35 square meters, with about 13 designated as affordable housing. A new hotel with 40 to 50 rooms is also planned. A key feature of the proposal is the creation of a continuous public park on the roof, spanning at least 3.5 dunams (approximately 0.86 acres), accessible during the center's operating hours. This park will incorporate green spaces, seating areas, urban farming, beekeeping, and renewable energy installations.

The plan also involves transforming the street level with new commercial storefronts and improved pedestrian connectivity, including a new link between King George Street and a street south of the center. Public spaces at the Dizengoff and Bar Giora corner and towards King George Street will be developed with new plantings and seating areas. The project aims to integrate commercial, residential, hospitality, cultural, and community uses, with underground facilities for logistics, storage, and energy production.

Despite the substantial increase in built area, the plan does not include new parking spaces, and the total number of parking spots is expected to decrease from 874 to 843. The proposal has undergone an environmental impact assessment, which was submitted to UNESCO representatives in Israel. The assessment concluded that the planned construction would not harm the visual integrity of the White City site and would have a moderately positive urban impact. The plan also incorporates requirements for green building practices, renewable energy, and water management.