It was one of the last village cinema-theaters left in the north of the Island. A space for social and cultural encounters when moving to Santa Cruz Enjoying a movie or play meant great difficulties for many residents.
Festivals, concerts by singer-songwriters, musical performances by folk groups, end-of-year parties and screenings were organized there, a cultural agenda that was always intended for the whole family.
The truth is that the venue, which also hosted the Christmas concerts of the Ernesto Beteta Cultural Musician Association, had already become obsolete for the municipality and urgently needed improvements, both inside and outside.
Closed since 2016, with a rehabilitation project and various obstacles that prevented the start of work, on Tuesday it began to be a reality after the approval by the island Government Council of a game of 1.5 million – more than half of financing – to be able to start the works.
The total investment amounts to 2.8 million euros, of which the Tenerife Cabildo will contribute 90% and the City Council, 10%, and its bidding will begin at the beginning of next year so as not to interfere with the Christmas campaign and Reyes being located within the Open Commercial Zone.
The action is part of the Insular Cultural Infrastructure Plan and, although it had been approved since 2017, it was necessary to solve the situation of the premises in the lower part of the building. This last task was what delayed its start. During all this time the insular Corporation has maintained financing and has adapted it to current times.
The façade will begin by demolishing it, since, according to studies carried out, it has no architectural, cultural or heritage value, confirms the mayor, Juan Acosta. Initially, the reform was going to be minor, but given the impossibility of expanding the facilities, an in-depth rehabilitation will be undertaken that will involve modernizing the infrastructure and adapting it to current accessibility and safety regulations.
In addition, it will be remodeled to make better use of the multipurpose spaces it has and the upper part will be enabled, where there will be a terrace.
It will have a patio with more than 300 seats, acoustic and stage equipment adapted to current requirements in terms of performing and musical arts, and the roof will be soundproofed.
“We have spent seven years unblocking this project, because there was no agreement with the owners of the attached premises. Now we hope that the entire procedure, which includes the bidding, contracting and execution of the project, goes smoothly to be able to meet the deadlines, given that the Plan ends in 2025,” adds the president.
The truth is that the old cinema-theater will begin to undergo a significant change next year to become a modern auditorium. “They are essential works, which will be a stimulus and will allow the cultural life of Santa Úrsula to be in the place it deserves,” Acosta emphasizes.
