As a complementary step to the construction of the light rail’s blue line in Jerusalem, the city’s district committee has approved the building of a new urban quarter in the city’s south, along Hebron Road. The quarter will include 3,500 housing units, 1,300 hotel rooms, public buildings, employment and commercial spaces, and open areas. The project will span approximately 120 dunams (30 acres), with all housing units built in structures ranging from 8 to 50 stories, significantly transforming Jerusalem’s skyline.
Additionally, 50 dunams (12.5 acres) have been allocated for creating commercial spaces that will form a retail frontage along Hebron Road and the light rail stations. The plan also includes the construction of six new schools, sports centers, a swimming pool, dozens of gardens and daycares, synagogues, and community spaces. The project was initiated by Tidhar Group and designed by Yigal Levi Architects Studio.
The Chair of the District Committee for Planning and Construction in Jerusalem, Shira Talmi-Babai, addressed the new plan, explaining that Hebron Road is a historic route connecting Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
“At this time, due to the light rail policy, the route is regaining its historic significance and becoming a central hub for Jerusalem’s development. The plan creates an excellent public space that will include five schools, a magnificent archaeological site, gardens, a promenade, thousands of housing units, rental apartments, hotels, and employment opportunities. This plan optimally reflects the district committee’s policy of urban renewal and development along light rail routes, preserving open spaces and keeping young couples in the city,” she stated.
I don’t see ANY apartments in these new buildings that have porches for sukkoth. Where are people supposed to eat during sukkoth? Does that mean the builders DON’T WANT religious buyers??? Jerusalem is now majority religious, who do they think will buy these places?