Today (Monday), the Subcommittee for Urban Renewal of the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee will discuss a large-scale urban renewal plan in the Givat Sharett neighborhood of Beit Shemesh.
The plan, called Narkis Neighborhood promoted by the Golden Israel Group, includes the demolition of 23 old buildings with 486 apartments – to be replaced by the construction of 3,270 new homes.

Construction is expected to take place in seven 'urban blocks' each with two towers of up to 35 floors and four mid-rise residential buildings, planned around an inner courtyard. In addition to housing, the plan includes 'commercial frontage' along Rakefet Street and two plots designated for mixed use – combining residential, commercial, and public spaces.

The plan also includes areas for public buildings such as kindergartens, daycare centers, synagogues, a mikveh, and elementary and high schools, which will serve the needs of the population.

The plan covers approximately 158 dunams (39 acres), stretching from Rakefet Street in the north to Narkis Street in the south, in the Givat Sharett neighborhood of the city. 

From the Golden Israel Group: “Golden Israel is advancing urban renewal projects across the country, some of which are already under construction. We are pleased with the progress of the Narkis project in Beit Shemesh – a move that is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in this older neighborhood. The plan is being implemented in full coordination with the Beit Shemesh Municipality and the District Committee, in close cooperation with the residents, who are represented by attorney Avi Babajanov.”

The company further emphasized its commitment to residents' welfare, noting that Golden Israel has been paying rent for some of the evacuated residents for three years – even before signing the urban renewal contracts – due to 'dangerous building' orders issued by the municipality. “The company views the residents as full partners in the process and is working diligently to advance the plan, due to the existing structural risks and subsidence of buildings in the area,” the statement concluded.

Image: Architect's image of the Beit Shemesh plan (Kesem Visualizations)