Though a decision on the future of Dizengoff Square is still pending, the Tel Aviv Municipality is going ahead in the next few weeks with renovating Yaacov Agam's "Fire and Water" fountain, the square's centerpiece. The renovation comes after a protracted legal battle and will will cost NIS 2 million.

The city says the work should be finished within a year, and it aims to restore the fountain to its original condition. Once the spruce-up of the fountain is complete, the municipality promises to resume productions featuring fire, water and music - those shows have not gone on in recent years.

Open gallery view Mor Gilboa, right, with architect Tsvi Lissar on Dizengoff Square. “They painted the benches a horrifying blue,” says Lisher. Credit: Tali Mayer

In 1986, eight years after the square's central area was raised, Agam's fountain was installed. Agam assented to a request forwarded by then Tel Aviv Mayor Shlomo Lahat, and donated the fountain to the city. However, since then, its condition has deteriorated. As it stood in neglect, a legal battle raged between Agam and the city about renovation. Agam first turned to the courts nine years ago, demanding that the municipality invest in putting things right.

Under court order, renovation work began two years after this original petition; but Agam was unsatisfied. The work done was sub-standard, said the artist.

Three years ago, Agam turned to the courts again, demanding that the municipality undertake another renovation. At first, the city argued that responsibility for fountain renovation rests with the artist himself; in the end, the municipality was forced to accept responsibility, and it allocated funds for renovation in 2010. But the work was delayed.

Repairs are needed for all components of the sculpture. The fountain will be repainted; its main frame will be bolstered; and work will be done on its pumps, motor, lighting and electrical parts.

Municipal officials say that the renovation work will not interfere with activity at Dizengoff Square, apart from brief stages in which the work will require the use of cranes and trucks.

Agam eagerly awaits seeing what will be done. "I think this is a wonderful work of art," he says. "Simply because of neglect it turned into junk. It is a really beautiful piece of work." He adds: "The first round of renovation work failed. The fountain was painted inappropriate colors. This time there is a tender; the right people have been chosen; the renovation will be done well and bring honor to the square."

Municipal officials insist there is no connection between the fountain restoration and discussions about the square's future. "We must take care of the renovation and maintenance of the fountain. We have committed ourselves to beginning this renovation work by November 2011," said Shmulik Katzelnik, whose department is responsibility for the aesthetic maintenance of city projects. "There is also a discussion about renovating the entire area. There are a few alternatives. But one thing is not connected to the other," said Katzelnik. In coming weeks, the municipality should compile findings of a survey it has conducted among residents and business owners in the Dizengoff Square area, regarding what they would like to see in the square's future.