Historical Electricity Factory faces skyscraper threat in Izmir

Objections to new zoning plans for the area surrounding the Historical Electricity Factory in Izmir's Konak Umurbey neighborhood have been rejected. The new plans designate the three parcels as a ‘Trade-Tourism Area,’ increasing the construction limit to 20 stories.

The decision, which was enacted with the signature of President Erdoğan, allows for the construction of skyscrapers in the vicinity of the landmark industrial heritage site. Uğur Yıldırım, President of the Chamber of Architects Izmir Branch, noted that the land has been divided, with part of it transferred to the Izmir Governor's Office while the remaining portion is subject to high-rise development.

Yıldırım expressed concern that protecting only the individual structure is insufficient and argued for regional conservation. He stated that even if the factory is restored, the surrounding high-rise development negatively impacts the preservation of the site's historical context. Legal proceedings initiated by the TMMOB Izmir Provincial Coordination Board in March are ongoing.