Jerusalem District Approves Harel Interchange Housing and Employment Plan
The Jerusalem District Planning Commission has approved the Harel Interchange project, featuring 500 housing units, commercial spaces, and long-term rentals.
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Commission has decided to deposit the 'Harel Interchange Residential and Employment' plan, initiated by the Israel Land Authority. Spanning approximately 39 dunams at the Harel Interchange near Route 1, adjacent to the Harel Mall and north of the Mevaseret Mall, the project comprises about 200 new housing units in a diverse mix, including around 100 units designated for long-term rental, alongside approximately 300 units for specialized housing in nine-story residential buildings combined with commercial areas.
Project Details and Infrastructure
Significantly, 50% of the new apartments will be allocated for rental housing, while the remaining units in the nine-story residential buildings will cater to the private market. The initiative also addresses traffic regulation at the Harel Interchange, creating a pedestrian-friendly urban space, planting trees along roadways, and establishing a transportation hub for public transit users featuring a park-and-ride facility with underground parking for public and commercial use.
In addition to residential spaces, the project adds roughly 25,000 square meters for employment, 3,500 square meters for commerce, and 4,700 square meters for public uses. The plan further proposes landscape and environmental integration of the Harel Interchange, featuring tree planting, open space management, and a public urban square complete with an observation point, a small commercial building, public amenities, and two-wheeler parking.
Official Statements
Asaf Rafeld, Director of the Jerusalem Branch at the Israel Land Authority, emphasized the strategic importance of the project:
«The plan at the Harel Interchange is an opportunity to transform a strategically located area into a significant urban space combining housing, assisted living, commerce, and employment. Through optimal land planning, we are promoting quality urban development that will connect parts of Mevaseret Zion.»
Dan Kenan, Jerusalem District Planner at the Planning Administration, noted that the project represents out-of-the-box thinking by turning underutilized land into an integral part of the urban fabric, increasing the supply of assisted living and rental housing for young families.
