11 million NIS has been invested in renovating the “New Gate” (השער החדש) of the Old City of Jerusalem, which will now become a major entrance gate for tourists and visitors to the Old City. Its connecting street will become a colorful pedestrian mall, featuring vibrant local commerce and tourism. The Jerusalem Development Authority, the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Jerusalem Municipality, and the National Insurance Institute all participated in the investment for the upgrade to the Gate.

The “New Gate” and the adjacent street are a major tourist attraction for all people of the Old City. Opened originally in 1889, the “New Gate” is the closest of the 7 gates of the Old City to the Christian Quarter. In addition to the residents and the merchants, many tourists and visitors come to the area, who come to shop in the colorful markets and the well-known commercial areas, and to stay at the hotels and hostels.

However, over the years, the infrastructure surrounding the “New Gate” deteriorated, commerce did not meet the tourists’ needs, and many visitors chose to use other entrances to the Old City. The rehabilitation and renovation work provide an additional access route to the Old City, improving traffic in the area and easing the flow of tourists.

The “New Gate” compound project is part of a multi-year plan for the development of the Old City, which includes the development of infrastructure, improving accessibility, and easing congestion.

As part of the project, extensive development, restoration and preservation work was carried out: the commercial facades of the shops and cafes were renovated, and new lighting was put in place to illuminate the area. Traffic was regulated, and public space was designed for pedestrian benefit. In addition, the sewage, water, lighting and electricity infrastructures have been rehabilitated, streets have been re-paved, the space has been made accessible for people with disabilities, and a parking lot has been opened for local residents and public use.

The businesses on the street are diverse. Among them are the “Johnny’s Bar” – among the only bars in the Old City, the Armenian ceramics shop, “George Sandroni,” and “Bynet El Balad,” a culinary enterprise to empower the residents of the Old City.

Minister Ze’ev Elkin: “We at the Jerusalem Ministry of Heritage continue to promote a national project of transforming the Old City and turning it into a tourist attraction of the State of Israel to all who visit. The renovated New Gate will now become one of the main entrances to the Old City and will be a great contribution to the promotion of tourism and commerce in the Old City.”

Minister of Tourism, MK Yariv Levin: “The New Gate pedestrian mall is a project with important touristic significance, which will dramatically improve the movement of tourists in the area and provide them with a wonderful cultural experience. Tourism to Israel in general and to Jerusalem in particular is at an all-time high and we continue to improve the tourist experience and the many possibilities he has to enjoy all that Israel has to offer, and I am convinced that the new project will be a magnet for many tourists and visitors and I welcome all those involved.”

Jerusalem Mayo Moshe Leon: “I welcome the opening of the New Gate pedestrian mall. This is another section of the Old City that was developed and re-imagined for the benefit of visitors and residents of the area. The Jerusalem Municipality has put accessibility in the Old City at the top of its priorities, and we will continue to make many more sites in the capital accessible to achieve this goal. The refurbished New Gate area will quickly become a vibrant, attractive, draw for tourists.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Alon Boskila)