Tel Aviv Central 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 neighborhoods 5 and 6. According to the Planning Administration, the plan is expected to add approximately 14,000 new housing units, alongside the renovation of existing buildings to improve their protection and earthquake resistance. The renewal initiative 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 plan follows the approval of similar renewal projects for neighborhoods 3 and 4.

The plan allows for individual lot renewal through either strengthening and adding to existing structures or 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 zone. A significant portion of the renewal area falls within the "White City," a UNESCO World Heritage site, necessitating strict adherence to preserving building volumes, historical lot divisions, and architectural character. Buildings designated for preservation are exempt from the general renewal provisions and require separate planning review for any updates. 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 to accommodate population growth.

Shira Talmi Babai, Chairwoman of the District Planning and Building Committee, stated that the plan was fast-tracked to provide certainty and encourage building reinforcement, especially given the ongoing emergency situation. Tel Aviv District Planner Erez Ben Eliezer added that the plan promotes a diverse and accessible housing mix, strengthens existing street-level commerce, and creates vibrant street fronts, all while preserving the historical charm of the city center. The plan, submitted by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Local Planning and Building Committee and prepared by City Engineer Udi Carmeli, also considers the area's public transportation network, including the Red Line of the light rail and future Green and Purple lines, as well as three future metro stations. Its compatibility with National Outline Plan 70 was also assessed.