Germany supports the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "White City of Tel Aviv". Today, Federal Building Minister Barbara Hendricks handed over the first grant of 250,000 euros to the mayor of Tel Aviv, Ron Huldai. The grant is intended to establish a competence centre for the restoration of the White City. The Federal Building Ministry will provide a total of 2.8 million euros for the project. The launch of the project coincides with the 50th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations.
The White City of Tel Aviv is the world's largest group of buildings of the Modern Movement and was strongly influenced by the Bauhaus style. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2003. The history of the White City is closely linked with the fate of German Jewish architects who managed to leave Germany after 1933. It comprises around 4000 buildings, 2000 of which are under monument protection. Many of the buildings need to be renovated in line with conservation principles.
Minister Hendricks commented: "We will support the city of Tel Aviv in preserving this important cultural heritage. As a first step, a competence centre for the White City will be established. The centre will provide a platform for the upcoming renovation of the neighbourhood. I look forward to good cooperation between German and Israeli players from all areas of construction."
The competence centre for architecture and conservation will be a place for building experts, craftsmen and artists to explore ideas for the renovation of the White City and for facilitating exchange between experts and residents. A total of 2.8 million euros will be provided over the next ten years for programmes and projects of the centre. The centre will be based in the Max Liebling House, a characteristic building located in the heart of the White City. It is currently being refurbished and is expected to be opened in 2017.