The Marker, Adi Cohen, 04.03.2020

The Israel Lands Authority issued a tender on Wednesday to acquire leasehold rights in the old complex of Shaare Zedek Hospital on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem. The complex has five lots.According to the tender, a 50-room hotel, conference rooms and commercial areas will be built on the hospital's retention building. In addition, two plots are dedicated to building a total of 240 residential units, in 24-story residential towers.

The front of the ground floor is expected to include cafes, restaurants, banks and clinics. The remaining two plots are for employment, commerce, hotels and public areas totaling thousands of square meters.

According to the publication of the Israel Lands Authority, the five lots will be marketed as one direct lease division (without development agreement) for a period of 98 years, with an option to extend for another 98 years (subject to the terms of the Israel Lands Authority at the renewal date).

The Israel Lands Authority also said that some of the lots are on the light rail axis, in accordance with the construction policy along the light rail route approved by the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee. In addition, additional building rights can be approved through a detailed plan that will be submitted for approval by the competent planning committees, as specified in the tender terms.

The complex is located near the business district project at the entrance to the city, which is about 300 dunams. The project is expected to add some 60,000 new jobs to Jerusalem. There are about 20 towers of 24-18 storeys to be erected in the district, which will include employment, commerce, housing, tourism, hotels, leisure and culture alongside public areas. According to the plan, four relief lines, a fast train and buses will be located in the area. In addition, there will be a bike path next to it.

The old hospital building is located at 161 Jaffa Street in Jerusalem, and has been used by the Broadcasting Authority's management for the past three decades.This, after years of abandonment since the end of its operations in 1980. The state had previously tried to promote the sale of the complex, but without success.This is probably due to the conservation restrictions that apply to the historic structure.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon said: "I am pleased to announce the tender, which will serve the Jerusalem public and promote construction intended for young couples with the promotion of jobs. This project joins other projects being built in the city and still to be built, which will make Jerusalem a leading and advanced city in all aspects. Life".

Israel Land Authority director Adiel Shamron added: "This is another tender for the big plan to change the entrance to the capital of Israel. This tender will add significant commercial and tourism space, along with the addition of hundreds of housing units that Jerusalem needs. The Jerusalem roof agreement is being implemented at a satisfactory pace thanks to the And the excellent cooperation with the mayor of Jerusalem. "

Director General of the Tourism Ministry, Amir Halevi, said: "The building of the old Shaare Zedek Hospital is of historical and national importance as the first hospital to operate outside the Jerusalem walls and serve the city's residents.Implementation of the plan will add to the area of ​​tourism-economic importance, with construction to meet the growing demand for accommodation in Jerusalem. "