The Municipal Board, led by Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez, gave the green light last Monday to the commencement of works for the development of a fresh pedestrian zone and a square at the junction of Méndez Núñez and Robaina streets, commonly referred to as the Orche areato Conacon company “for a total of 660,147 euros, under a multi-year contract with an expected completion time of nine months, meaning the new Robayna square will be finalized by 2025,” stated the city councillor.
Infrastructure Councillor, Javier Rivero, disclosed that “The commencement of these urban regeneration works is scheduled for the third week of April and includes a drastic conversion with the establishment of a novel pedestrian space, devoid of vehicular traffic and parking” and further mentioned that “an allocation of 410,000 euros will be assigned for the initial phase of the project this year, with the remainder planned for disbursement next year” and confirmed that “initially, traffic will be restricted in this junction to allow the commencement of works, thereafter, the modus operandi will be established, based on the available spaces.”
“The Council’s aim – as per Rivero’s explanation – is to kickstart the renovation in the vicinity of commercial establishments, where Orche café is situated, and subsequently expand the area of work towards the Military Government building” pointing out that “although the course of action hasn’t been finalized yet, pending agreement with the company, the primary objective is to expedite proceedings and curtail potential disruptions, consequently, the strategy is to completely shutter this area and maintain pedestrian access along the sidewalks during the construction period,” affirmed the Works and Infrastructure Councillor.
Upon culmination of the renovation, the transition will entail conversion from a present-day car-occupied public space to an open expanse, “featuring a spacious square finished in authentic Canarian stone alongside a newly designated parking section for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PMR), in addition to the installation of fresh pedestrian crossings on 25 de Julio Avenue,” underscored Javier Rivero, who further elucidated that “Moreover, the central lamppost will be retained and augmented with new amenities such as benches and waste bins, coupled with the introduction of rejuvenated tree varieties providing shade for the upcoming urban focal point.”
Aside from preserving the water fords, the traffic signals will be eliminated, and pedestrian pathways will be established, transforming the area into a welcoming connectivity node, fostering recreation and leisure spaces for citizens. The mayor highlighted that “The close proximity of Weyler Square, designated as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC), poses constraints on the creation of additional family-friendly or recreational spaces, hence the initiative to pedestrianize the Orche area aims to transition from a car-centric zone to a people-centric one, encouraging city dwellers to relish the urban setting.”
