Jerusalem, 5 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s National Planning and Building Council approved a first-of-its-kind plan to build an entire urban neighborhood above an underground metro depot.
The project, covering about 32 hectares in Rishon LeZion, will include 2,600 housing units, assisted-living facilities, office space, commercial areas and public buildings above the Rishonim depot complex for the M1 metro line.
About 30% of the apartments will be designated as small units aimed at young couples and first-time buyers.
The district will be constructed on “artificial land” above the depot and connected to the existing urban area, the planned metro station and Israel Railways’ Rishonim Station. Transport Minister Miri Regev called the project a “national growth engine” linking transportation, housing and economic development.