Key Points

The Jerusalem municipality has approved an ambitious housing project on the White Ridge's southern slopes, promising 6,000 new residential units. The development strategically balances urban infrastructure with natural landscape preservation, featuring apartments ranging from 55 to 80 square meters. Architects have designed the project to integrate seamlessly with the area's topography, creating innovative multi-floor buildings with green spaces and public squares. The plan includes proximity to light rail, employment centers, and careful environmental consideration, representing a modern approach to urban expansion.

Key Points: Jerusalem White Ridge Plan Unveils 6,000 New Housing Units

  • Massive 250-acre residential project with 6,000 diverse housing units
  • Sustainable design incorporating green spaces and urban infrastructure
  • Innovative slope-integrated architecture with 8-24 floor buildings
  • Strategic location near light rail and employment center
2 min read

6,000 new housing units planned for Jerusalem

Israel Land Authority launches massive sustainable residential development in Jerusalem's southwestern slopes, offering diverse housing options near Ora Junction

"Development carried out with sensitivity to natural values - Israel Land Authority Planning Team"

Tel Aviv, June 10

The "White Ridge" plan, led by the Israel Land Authority, covers approximately 250 acres in southwestern Jerusalem, of which the development area is 65 acres (the rest of the area is designated as open space).

The area is on the southern slopes of the White Ridge in southwest Jerusalem, near the Ora Junction, with the land characterised by a topography with steep slopes and containing a KKL-JNF grove, several agricultural buildings and a gas station.

The entire development is being carried out with sensitivity to the natural values in the vicinity of the plan, with an emphasis on the contact between the built-up area and open areas located on its edges.

The new residential neighbourhood will include approximately 6,000 units, in a diverse mix, of which approximately 30 per cent are small apartments (up to 80 square meters) and approximately 5 per cent are very small apartments (up to 55 square meters).

The residential density is proposed at approximately 55 units per net dunam in buildings of 8-24 floors, with the planning characterised by development along the slopes using elongated blocks, while creating a high-quality public space in their centre, which includes green areas and active facades on the ground floors of the residential buildings.

At the center of the plan is planned an elongated public square that connects to the light rail station at the Ora Junction and a new employment center on its northern side with access to the green space and springs to the south, which includes employment, commercial, residential and special housing complexes. In addition, areas are designated for institutions and public buildings that take advantage of the steep topography to create a stepped construction of two schools, along with creating a soft encounter with the open spaces through a perimeter road and walking paths leading to parks in the area. (ANI/TPS)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting development but I wonder about the geopolitical implications. Jerusalem remains a sensitive issue globally. As Indians, we understand how urban development in disputed areas can become political. Hope they maintain the ecological balance with all those green spaces mentioned.
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Priya M.
The urban planning sounds impressive with green spaces and public transport integration. Indian cities could learn from this mixed-use development approach. Our smart cities mission should incorporate such thoughtful planning rather than just concrete jungles! 🌿
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Arjun S.
While the development looks good on paper, I'm concerned about the small apartment sizes. 55 sqm is tiny by Indian standards - even our 1BHKs are bigger! Housing should be comfortable, not just compact. Quality of life matters more than just numbers.
S
Sneha R.
The emphasis on preserving natural topography is commendable. In India, we often flatten everything for construction. Maybe our hill stations like Shimla or Darjeeling could adopt this 'development along slopes' approach instead of destructive hill-cutting. Food for thought!
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Vikram J.
Israel's urban planning is always forward-thinking. The light rail integration is key - Indian metros need this level of last-mile connectivity. Though 6,000 units seems small compared to our housing needs - we'd need 60,000 in any Indian metro! 😅
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Neha P.
The article mentions sensitivity to natural values, but 24-floor buildings near green spaces? Sounds contradictory. We've seen in Indian cities how high-rises eventually encroach on surrounding areas. Hope they maintain the promised balance better than we have.

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