The complete revitalisation of Las Teresitas beach in Santa Cruz is set to commence by the end of 2025, encompassing infrastructure preparations for the upcoming Añaza-Las Teresitas tram route. Land reservations are in place to ensure that these plans align harmoniously with the overall territorial strategy.
The preliminary report for the minor adjustment to the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU-05) for this coastal area of the capital city reveals these intentions, as per the document drafted by Gestur and accessed by DIARIO DE AVISOS, currently in the evaluation phase.
Despite the Cabildo of Tenerife indicating a lack of demand analysis for the tram line to Las Teresitas, the Santa Cruz City Council has consistently emphasised the necessity for such a project, citing benefits such as reduced traffic congestion and enhanced mobility in Anaga.
Incorporating this infrastructural alternative, the Las Teresitas enhancement initiative aligns with the beach intervention guidelines. The development will boast spacious pedestrian promenades, commercial zones, outdoor seating areas, parking facilities, improved lighting, thalassotherapy amenities, and a premium five-star hotel.
Addressing the construction of urban tourist accommodation, the document states that “utilising land for tourism purposes must be supported by the carrying capacity of the area”, and as Las Teresitas is not primarily a tourist zone, “its capacity must be justified based on existing business capabilities.”
Highlighting that the proposed hotel would be the sole establishment covering the entirety of San Andrés and Las Teresitas, the blueprint is deemed in alignment with tourism directives. Accordingly, a maximum hotel construction area of 25,000 square meters and 15,000 square meters for additional facilities are planned, accommodating up to 200 rooms or 500 beds.
The report also presents three site options for the hotel, favouring the third alternative that situates it north of the San Roque mountain, rather than facing the beach, as it is deemed as “the optimal choice to strike a balance between open space systems, public utility provisions, and profitable ventures that aid in the area’s economic and social rejuvenation.”
Enhancements Proposed
Furthermore, the proposed planning variations incorporate areas designated by the PGOU for public urban parks (26,275 square meters) and sports facilities (7,564 square meters), stressing the introduction of boardwalks; recreational and sports zones; improved access to the beach for public transport services (tram, buses, taxis) alongside enhanced accessibility (pedestrian and vehicular); upgrades to the sanitation and lighting systems; and augmentation of green spaces.
It also suggests “creating a space for health, social welfare, and recreational amenities (thalassotherapy) towards the back of the beach, developing an underground parking facility, accompanied by gathering spots and venues for public or cultural events.
In terms of the cemetery, established in 1893 adjacent to Las Teresitas, efforts are underway to blend it with the surroundings. Furthermore, the relocation of kiosks situated on the sand to the beachfront is prioritised for hygiene reasons. Additionally, there are proposals to separate beach traffic from that originating from Igueste de San Andrés and El Suculum.
