The mayor of Santa Cruz of Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, along with the councillors of Works and Infrastructure, Javier Rivero, the councillor of Sports, Alicia Cebrián, and the person in charge of the Health-La Salle district, Zaida González, paid a visit to the ongoing construction works of the new Go Fit sports complex in the former Municipal Sports Pavilion. They confirmed that “the actions will be completed by January of the next year, as initially planned when the work began”, the mayor commented.
Bermúdez stated, “This is an endeavour that Santa Cruz wouldn’t have been able to pursue without the assistance of an external company, in this instance Go Fit, which is taking a risk with the investment, as has been observed in other cities in the country.” He also mentioned that “the new sports complex at the Santa Cruz pavilion marks a significant improvement in the city’s sports offerings”, adding that “It will still be named after Paco Álvarez and its capacity will be increased tenfold, accommodating over 10,000 citizens who will have access to these facilities.”
Alfonso Arroyo, representing Go Fit, confirmed that “progress on the construction is on track, therefore the grand sports complex is set to open early next year, where we aim for citizens to feel at home. We have planned guided tours of the facility.” He also disclosed that the Go Fit sports complex has already received registrations from 5,000 individuals who are interested in securing a spot.
The Sports Councillor, Alicia Cebrián, pointed out that “80% of sports enthusiasts are not affiliated with any federation; they engage in sports as a pastime. This project targets them and their families, but also the remaining 20% who participate individually or with a club in the capital, who will now have access to modern and decent facilities like the new Paco Álvarez Pavilion or the David González pool.”
Councillor Javier Rivero emphasised that “the establishment of this new sports facility will drive the development of the area where it stands. It will also pave the way for the creation of over 200 parking spaces, available for visitors to use, and will generate numerous job opportunities in its future management.” He specified that “the pool, named after David González, within the complex will feature three pools, including a 25-metre pool, a splash pool, and a jacuzzi pool. Additionally, it will comprise a 1,700 m2 gym, multipurpose areas, a play area for children, and a cafeteria.”
New Pavilion Named “Paco Álvarez”
This establishment will be directly managed by the City Council and is distinct from the concession area, ensuring autonomy over the sports centre. The entrance is accessible via Eduardo Zamacois Street. The upper-floor grandstand can accommodate 278 spectators, with 6 designated for individuals with disabilities, equipped with washrooms and an elevator. A telescopic stand will also be available for an additional 200 spectators approximately.
The sports court will serve as a versatile space with wooden flooring, housing 2 changing rooms for athletes or regular users, 2 changing rooms for referees or instructors, a storage room, and a utilities room. The pavilion will benefit from natural light thanks to large windows that open towards the inner street facing the Quico Cabrera Pavilion and Eduardo Zamacois Street through the stands. Four squash courts will be situated at the grandstand level, located between the pavilion and the tennis courts on the access ramp to the garage, accessible from both the pavilion and the exterior courts.
The PP4 multi-sports court is required by the Higher Sports Council to have at least a court measuring 44 x 32m (1,408 m2), featuring longitudinal markings for a futsal and handball court, and transverse markings for 2 basketball courts and 2/3 volleyball courts. The pavilion will be linked to the sports complex via a staircase, allowing for combined usage.
Urban Development and External Spaces
The external spaces of the project fulfil various purposes. Firstly, the main area designed as a public access square, connecting both Heliodoro Rodríguez López and La Mutine streets, serves as an entrance space to the building. It also serves as a central spot housing children’s recreational activities for public use and a large urban area for neighbours to gather and relax.
Secondly, the area designated for racket sports (tennis and paddle tennis) is situated in the southwest corner, enclosed by a fence, accommodating two glass paddle tennis courts and two approved tennis courts. The cityscape is enriched by the provision of open spaces adjacent to the Heliodoro Rodríguez Stadium, featuring a large public square for recreational and sports purposes.
Parking
The parking facility will span two levels beneath the entire outdoor space and a section of the sports centre. It will have the capacity for 290 parking spaces for cars, including 6 designated for individuals with disabilities and 22 for motorcycles. Access will be available from Eduardo Zamacois Street and Heliodoro Rodríguez López Street, with a pedestrian exit to La Mutine Street.
