The National Planning Council, headed by Planning Administration Director General Rafi Elmaleh, approved guidelines Tuesday for preparing an environmental impact assessment for “District 1” of the national master plan for Haifa Bay, known as National Master Plan 75 – “Bay Gateway.” The decision marks a major milestone in advancing one of the largest development projects currently planned in Israel.
The first district, which forms the northern section of the plan, spans roughly 3,000 dunams (about 740 acres) and includes over 19,000 housing units, approximately 3,000 hotel rooms, commercial and employment space, and a proposal for extensive beachfront development. Areas included in the district are the tank farms, the stadium complex in Kiryat Haim, Brandeis Forest, and the coastal strip—making this the only district in the plan with direct access to the sea.
National Master Plan 75 aims to drive sweeping change across the Haifa Bay area by creating a new urban zone that combines residential, employment, commercial, logistics, and advanced industry. The plan seeks to strengthen the connection between Haifa and the Krayot suburbs, improve public access to the beach, and create economic growth engines for the entire northern region.
1 +Over the past two years, the editorial committee completed comprehensive planning work to shape the planning framework for the area and identify land needed for major infrastructure. Following approval of the environmental assessment guidelines, detailed implementation planning will begin, during which specific plans will be advanced and various environmental and infrastructure aspects will be examined.
Planning Administration Director General Rafi Elmaleh called it “a significant step in realizing the vision of National Master Plan 75 and transforming the face of Haifa Bay for generations.” According to him, the project is expected to connect Haifa and the Krayot, open the urban space to the sea, and create a foundation for economic, environmental, and social growth for the northern region.
The Israel Land Authority emphasized that the first district is only the beginning of a sweeping initiative that will transform Haifa Bay from an industrial and infrastructure zone into a developed, high-quality, and sustainable urban space. Approval of the plan marks the start of one of the most ambitious projects seen in Israel in recent decades.