The Ministry of Transportation promotes innovative and groundbreaking planning: The National Planning and Building Council has decided to submit for publication the TAMA 70/A plan - construction above the 'Rishonim' depot complex of the M1 metro line.
This is the first planning initiative of its kind in Israel, enabling the construction of an entire urban district above an underground transportation infrastructure, while making optimal and multi-layered use of limited land resources.
The plan embodies an advanced concept practiced in leading cities around the world, in which transportation infrastructure is not just a means of transportation but a basis for intensive, high-quality, mixed-use urban development.
The plan covers approximately 320 dunams in southwest Rishon LeZion, and includes the construction of approximately 2,600 housing units, approximately 300 units for assisted living, approximately 280,000 square meters for employment and approximately 17,000 square meters for commerce, alongside approximately 60,000 square meters for public buildings.
Approximately 30% of the apartments will be small, with the aim of increasing supply and making it easier for young couples and homebuyers.
The core of the plan is to partially cover the depot complex and establish "artificial ground" above it, on which an active urban district will be built, including residences, employment, commerce, and public services. The construction will be carried out in a variety of structures, including towers alongside terraced construction, and will be based on a dense street network that favors public transportation, walking, and cycling.
The new district will be planned as a direct continuation of the urban fabric of Rishon LeZion, with pedestrian and public transportation connections - to Herzl Street, the planned metro station, and the Israel Railways station 'Rishonim'. In addition, a connection will be established to the recreation areas to the south via a bridge over Highway 431.
The plan also includes extensive land zoning changes, the establishment of detailed construction instructions, architectural guidelines, environmental and infrastructure instructions, as well as mechanisms for the consolidation and redistribution of land - all with the aim of ensuring efficient, high-quality and rapid implementation of the project.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "We are bringing a new concept of planning to Israel - no more wasting land, but smart, multi-layered utilization that creates a city on top of a city. The metro project is not just a transportation solution - it is a national growth engine that will enable the establishment of new neighborhoods, increase the supply of housing, and lower the cost of living. This is what a responsible policy that connects transportation, housing, and the economy looks like.""
Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken: "The plan approved today illustrates the direct connection between investment in transportation infrastructure and advanced urban development. Through integrative planning above the depot, we are creating double value - both advanced transportation infrastructure and a quality urban district. This is a move that will contribute to increasing the supply of housing, strengthening the local economy and reducing traffic congestion, while encouraging the use of public transportation.""
The plan approved today is a detailed national outline plan, which allows for the issuance of building permits subject to the conditions set, and constitutes a major milestone in realizing the vision of "Connecting Israel" and in implementing a public transportation-oriented development concept throughout the country.
