The southern resort city joins, for the first time, the ranks of renewing cities in Israel: a relocation and construction plan approved in the Ye'elim neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, includes a 5.8-dunam complex where 7- and 10-story residential buildings will be constructed alongside a 25-story tower. The new apartments will be built around an open public space and will be accompanied by commercial areas, public buildings, and an upgraded pedestrian network.
The plan was formulated by the Urban Renewal Authority and the Eilat Municipality, and it will receive government subsidies to ensure economic feasibility. This is part of the state’s preparation to strengthen old buildings in cities at seismic risk, and in the case of Eilat – also part of an overall vision to upgrade the city center and older neighborhoods.
Part of a Broad Effort to Revitalize Older Neighborhoods
The municipality notes that this is only the first step in a wide-ranging process. In addition to the Ye'elim neighborhood, four other major plans are underway: the Barnea complex in the Dekel neighborhood and the Paran complex in the Arava neighborhood have already passed the threshold conditions, the Kadesh and Los Angeles complexes are awaiting approval, and a plan for the Tmarim complex has been submitted under conditions. At the same time, private developers are promoting about 20 additional urban renewal projects in various neighborhoods of the city.
The chairman of the Southern District Committee, Oded Plus, emphasized that “this is an important milestone that will encourage continued urban renewal in the city.” The district planner Michal Maril, Planning Department Director Guri Nadler, and Mayor Eli Lankri also welcomed the initiative, describing it as “just the beginning.”
The plan was prepared by the architectural offices Gordon Architects and City Planners, together with a team of professional consultants.