Speeding Up Urban Renewal: A Groundbreaking Project Shows the Way

When it comes to urban renewal projects, one often hears phrases like “it takes years,” “the bureaucracy is endless,” or “it won’t happen here.” But sometimes, the right combination of professional experience, human sensitivity, and thorough understanding of the system produces a very different story - one that proves it can be done differently.Amir Kopel, Deputy CEO for Urban Renewal at the Rozio Group, presents the story of the “HaSavora'im 2–4” project in Tel Aviv - a living example that urban renewal doesn’t have to drag on for a decade. From the Very Start – Focused on Execution In March 2023, a signing conference was held with the rights holders at the HaSavora'im 2 building, following an orderly developer tender in which the Rozio Group, together with Tzemach Hammerman Ltd., was selected to lead the process. It was already clear then: the timelines were short, the city’s planning policy required accelerated promotion, and precise, efficient management was needed at every stage - from signing through to building permits.Even while the agreement was still being drafted, requests for information files were submitted, and the work was underway. But what truly made the difference wasn’t just the planning side - it was the investment in personal relationships with the residents. “We met personally with every tenant, listened, explained, and built a foundation of trust,” says Kopel. “Thanks to a focused and responsible process, the majority stage was completed within a few weeks - an exceptional achievement in this field.” Neighbors Join – The Project Expands Not long after, the rights holders of the neighboring building, HaSavora'im 4, approached the team to join the initiative. The merger of the two buildings allowed for a more comprehensive and optimized plan, not only in terms of maximizing rights and alignment with municipal policy, but also in terms of housing quality for all residents.With swift and efficient coordination, the parties initiated additional signing rounds, completing the process in just a few days in March 2024. “This accomplishment reflects the residents’ level of trust and organization, as well as our ability to lead a rapid process without skipping steps,” emphasizes Kopel. Permit with Conditions – In Just Half a Year Alongside the signing stage, the building permit application was submitted in July 2024. By October of the same year, less than six months after the signing, the Tel Aviv Local Planning Committee issued a conditional building permit decision. “This is a highly advanced stage, and at an unusually fast pace for the industry,” says Kopel. “It illustrates the efficiency of the process and our ability to manage all stakeholders - planning, legal, and human - in complete harmony.” On-Site Outcome – Renewal Within Two Years The two old buildings - each six stories tall, with a total of 48 apartments and three shops - will make way for two modern buildings containing 108 new apartments. The design is meticulous and integrates into the urban landscape of the neighborhood. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, once all necessary signatures and approvals are secured - without any legal or property-related delays.

“Experience is important - but it’s not enough,” Kopel explains. “What really makes the difference is the ability to build trust with residents, to understand the planning mechanisms thoroughly, and to manage every stage of the project, transparently, and efficiently.” This approach - viewing the residents as full partners and not just “rights holders” - is the core of the Rozio Group’s working method. “Anyone who’s ever led an urban renewal project knows: homeowners don’t respond to plans - they respond to relationships. When there’s trust, the process just flows forward,” he adds.

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