Haifa Port May Become Entertainment and Commercial Zone
Aiswarya Lakshmi
Monday, January 5, 2015
Haifa port is about to be transformed and upgraded into a beautiful new set of centers to include an entertainment zone, a commercial zone and links to the city’s beaches, according to a report on www.haaretz.com.
The National Planning and Building Council will discuss Tuesday whether to approve the plan to redevelop part of Haifa Port into an entertainment and commercial zone, says Haaretz . It is seen as one of the most important plans for developing the northern city and reestablishing its links with its beaches.
The new plan, which is called the Seafront Plan, marks a change in the National Master Plan for the beaches. At the center of the plan is removal of part of the western section of port-related activity, except for a passenger port and the opening of piers and storage facilities for urban and tourist activity.
If passed, a new promenade will grace the waterfront from the port to the Bat Galim neighborhood to the south. Storage areas will be transformed into commercial and entertainment centers, similar to the hangars in Jaffa and Tel Aviv ports.
The Israel Ports Company has objected, claiming that closure of the western section of the working port will destroy revenues and workers’ incomes. But architect Renana Yardeni, appointed by the Interior Ministry, noted in her report to be presented Tuesday that construction of an alternate port site has already been approved – and started.