The Public Works Department of the La Laguna City Council is starting the process today to dismantle the metal framework of the old San Benito station. This action aims to remove the canopy, as its deteriorated state poses a safety hazard in this public area, which has been closed off since last April due to the risk of roof parts collapsing.
The operation, scheduled to be completed within two weeks, will necessitate the closure of access to Don Quijote Street from exit 10-A of the TF-5 motorway, as announced by the city council. An excavator equipped with a grabber will arrive at the site early today to commence the demolition of the structure. Vehicles seeking to enter the centre of La Laguna at this juncture can use Avenida de la Candelaria as an alternative route.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, highlighted that “this action is crucial for the entire San Benito area. It not only addresses the safety issues caused by the canopy but also enables us to reclaim and utilise a significant number of parking spaces, which are highly sought after by residents.”
Gutiérrez pointed out that this marks “the initial stage in the transformation of the old station, left derelict for over a decade, into the new Local Police station, following the usage transfer agreement reached last year with the Government of the Canary Islands. We aim to provide our officers with modern and functional facilities and are working on a comprehensive project tailored to their requirements.”
Reopening of Parking Facilities
On the other hand, the Works Councillor, Ángel Chinea, outlined that once the metal structure is removed, the dilapidated asphalt pavement and signage of over a hundred parking spaces will be refurbished for immediate use.
The metal roofing of the former station covers an area of 1,241 square meters and weighs 40 tons of iron, which will be repurposed. The total cost of the project is estimated at 41,197 euros. The building sits on a plot of 7,150 square meters, with 1,022 square meters constructed, and possesses a heritage value exceeding two million euros.
