Following are the main points of the new rehabilitation project for Jerusalem’s Shuk, Machane Yehuda. The plan will basically convert the shuk to an entertainment center for adults and children, with a large portion receiving air conditioning and new parking arrangements.

The air conditioning is planned for Eitz Chaim Street, the main closed street between Aggripas and Yaffo Streets as well as HaTut, Egoz, Shaked, Afarsek, Banai, Tapuach Streets and the Iraqi Shuk. Experts are consulting with city officials as how this will be accomplished in the hope of having an operational air conditioning system in these areas by the summer of 2017. The major open street, Machane Yehuda Street, will be adorned with shade similar to that seen in parks around the city.

One of the major problems being addressed is the difficult access to the shuk via bus or car. According to a MyNet report, beginning in January, an electric shuttle will be available for shoppers and visitors, taking people from Aggripas Street to the parking lot of the Shuk Canion down the block from shuk towards the Central Bus Station, under the building of the failed indoor shuk project of years ago. The electric shuttle will enter Machane Yehuda Street and turn around near Yaffo Street. The new organization representing the merchants has signed a deal with the parking lot by which the operators of stores and booths in the shuk will distribute vouchers for a reduction in the cost of the parking lot for shoppers. Hence, for those buying at a number of vendors will receive a sizable reduction in the price or even free parking.

In recent years, the shuk has evolved beyond traditional bounds but these streets officially remain open to traffic and today suffer severe overcrowding. This has led to the decision to convert some of these streets to Dutch streets, without sidewalks, that will make them more accessible to pedestrians. It is hoped this will permit placing tables and chairs while still permitting sufficient space for pedestrians and traffic. This will apply to Eshkol Street as well as HaShikma and Armonim Streets where the Rachmu and Mordo Restaurants are located as well as the Fortuna Steakhouse.

It has been decided to make the shuk an attraction for children and families as well and the shuk will be competing for customers’ attention against Mitcham HaTachana and Cinema City which have recently began offering ‘shuk’ days once weekly, offering produce to shoppers at those venues. The stall owners of Machane Yehuda view this crossing a red line and they are going to fight back. The first family activity is geared towards children on vacation, which will include jugglers and festive Chanukah candle lighting events. Donuts will be distributed as well and this is just the opening salvo they promise.

There are also plans of arranging a competition for the large salad for a Guinness record. This event will take place in about a month and there will be a 22-meter plate and hold an 80 ton salad. The shuk organization also plans to begin an aggressive media campaign including having Machane Yehuda included among popular tourist attractions.

The parking lots at the Shuk Canion and Kiach will have uniform night rates and a pilot program of multi-level parking near the shuk where cultural events and Independence Day events are held. The city is working in total cooperation with the shuk organization, adding it however does not become involved in the internal operation of the shuk.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)