Bat Yam Approves Massive Urban Renewal Project with 1,880 New Homes
Tel Aviv district authorities approved an urban renewal project in northern Bat Yam, replacing 480 old apartments with 1,880 new units near major transit hubs.
The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee has approved the urban renewal plan for the Halamit compound in Bat Yam, located in the northern part of the city near the border with Jaffa. The project entails the demolition of 480 housing units in old residential blocks and the construction of approximately 1,880 new apartments, marking a net addition of about 1,400 units.
Spanning some 80 dunams, the initiative is spearheaded by the Bat Yam Municipality in collaboration with the Government Authority for Urban Renewal and was designed by HQ Architects. The master plan features high-rise residential towers reaching up to 42 floors, which will be concentrated on the eastern side of the complex near the Ayalon Highway and the future Wolfson Metro station. Alongside these towers, the plan incorporates mid-rise buildings of up to 10 floors.
A key highlight of the project is its approach to current residents. Around 540 housing units are designated for buildings of up to 10 floors and podium levels, allowing most long-standing residents to receive new apartments in relatively low-rise structures without relocating to high-rises. Furthermore, about 660 apartments will be classified as small units to accommodate diverse household sizes. The development also encompasses roughly 17,300 square meters of commercial and employment space, public buildings, open areas, and a new public square.
Capitalizing on public transit, the compound is situated approximately 450 meters from the HaMahrozet station of the Red Line light rail, as well as adjacent to an Israel Railways station and the planned Wolfson Metro station. Consequently, authorities have set a reduced parking standard of up to 0.7 parking spaces per residential unit. The project also provides for the reorganization of local streets, improved pedestrian pathways, and enhanced connectivity toward Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
District Planner Erez Ben-Eliezer emphasized that the plan balances housing expansion with public space enhancement, ensuring veteran residents can remain in their familiar environment. District Committee Chairperson Shira Talmi-Babai added that the initiative fundamentally redesigns an entire neighborhood with modern infrastructure and mass transit access rather than merely replacing old buildings.
