The international chip giant NVIDIA is in the final stage of determining the location of its new campus in Israel, with the final decision expected as early as September. This is one of the largest and most significant projects the northern job market has seen in recent years.
According to a report published in Globes, although almost all northern municipalities tried to compete for the campus, only three remain in the race: Kiryat Tivon, Megiddo, and Kiryat Ata. The three municipalities are keeping a low profile and are not rushing to reveal details—apparently out of a desire not to harm their chances of being selected.
In Kiryat Tivon, considered a leading proposal, the council submitted an approved zoning plan for an employment area, including available and authorized land for construction spanning about 90 dunams, with building rights of approximately 120,000 square meters. The employment area is planned near the Kishon River and close to the Sha’ar HaAmakim interchange of Highway 6, providing high accessibility both from the Haifa area and from central Israel—a significant criterion in the decision.
The Megiddo Regional Council, considered a favorite, offers an alternative in the Mevo Carmel Industrial Park, located south of Yokne’am between Elyakim and the Ramot Menashe kibbutzim, within the Megiddo Regional Council’s jurisdiction. The park holds extensive land reserves and is located near the Hagit private power station.
Another proposal comes from Kiryat Ata Municipality, which from the outset was positioned in the northeastern corner of the outline plan in the information request published by NVIDIA. The city proposes building the campus within the framework of the existing National Master Plan (Tamal) 1025—a large-scale plan for establishing new neighborhoods alongside commercial and employment areas on agricultural land north of the city.
From the Kiryat Tivon Local Council it was stated: “We welcome NVIDIA’s decision to establish a campus in the north and very much hope that the campus will be built here in Kiryat Tivon. Kiryat Tivon has an approved zoning plan for a high-quality and attractive employment area offering a unique package of features, including: A large plot of land, available and approved for construction of about 90 dunams, with building rights for about 120,000 square meters. Our employment complex is located in an excellent geographic location, enjoying a green and pastoral work environment near the Kishon River, while at the same time offering excellent transportation accessibility, being adjacent to the Sha’ar HaAmakim interchange of Highway 6.
“This proximity creates maximum visibility for the complex, all in a community characterized by strength and support, adjacent to a new residential neighborhood and development at the highest levels.”
From Kiryat Ata Municipality it was stated: “Kiryat Ata is currently undergoing tremendous development momentum, led by Mayor Yakov Peretz, with investments of billions in national transportation projects and the Tamal 1025 plan, which is the city’s flagship project. The plan combines over 6,000 dunams of commercial, residential, employment, and recreation areas, in a complex destined to become a magnet for the entire northern metropolis—attracting young families to the city, high-tech companies and corporations, and international commerce.
“The plan, currently under development and construction, includes not only a network of accessible entrances and exits to central transportation routes such as Highway 6, Highway 22, and Highway 781, but also smart transportation and light rail stations currently under construction, a smart transportation hub being built as part of the Metronit project, and significant proximity to points of interest such as train stations and the regional airport. This is alongside the most advanced hospital in the north, which will also include research and development, as well as one of Israel’s largest metropolitan parks.”
Gil Lin, head of the Megiddo Regional Council and chairman of the board of the Mevo Carmel Science and Industry Park: “We thank NVIDIA for the trust in us as candidates to establish the company’s campus in our area. We are confident that if NVIDIA chooses Mevo Carmel, it will not regret the decision! We are in contact with the company’s management and with those conducting the evaluations on its behalf, and we have provided all the necessary data.
“The Megiddo Regional Council is undergoing development momentum, both economically and demographically, investing heavily in the growth of businesses and industry in its jurisdiction. In the coming years, about 7,000 new housing units are expected to be built in the council and in neighboring Yokne’am Illit, intended mostly for a young population of a high socioeconomic profile. This population will be a source of high-quality employees for NVIDIA and other companies that choose to come to us. We will wait patiently for the decision and wish the entire people of Israel a happy and blessed new year.”