The coalition government of Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, consisting of CC and PP, has successfully completed the initial year of its term leading the local governing body. In the past 365 days, municipal authorities have highlighted the implementation of nearly a hundred initiatives and projects “in support of the overall welfare of the capital,” as confirmed by Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez yesterday.
Highlighted achievements, outlined in an annual report, include the commencement of significant infrastructure projects, the promotion of sustainability, fostering culture, sports and, notably, enhancing social assistance for the most vulnerable residents. These actions collectively define a comprehensive set of initiatives that will shape “the most industrious term for the city, with many projects we have worked on previously coming to fruition, motivating us to continue progressing. We have three years remaining, but Santa Cruz is on the path to improvement, and upon completion, we will leave behind a city better than the one we inherited,” emphasized the councilor.
Bermúdez, accompanied by first deputy mayor and PP spokesperson Carlos Tarife, and CC spokesperson José Alberto Díaz Estébanez, reviewed the advancements made in transforming the municipality during the first year of the current term, characterizing it as “a year of intensity and productivity, with strides made at a steady pace thanks to the experienced government team following a clearly defined roadmap, supported by the economic stability enjoyed by the City Council,” stated Díaz Estébanez, highlighting that “we boast a vibrant and transparent city that reflects our efforts.”
The mayor added that “the CC and PP alliance in Santa Cruz is steadfast, providing certainty and responsibility to the city council, a noteworthy contrast to the current state in Spain and Europe.” This sentiment was echoed by first deputy mayor Carlos Tarife, who described it as a united government ready to achieve the city’s transformation over the next three years, optimistically looking towards the city’s future amidst the prevailing pessimism of the socialist opposition.
Among the accomplishments in the initial 365 days, officials emphasised significant actions such as the commencement of the 100% sustainable road project on Francisco La Roche Avenue, funded by the EU, which includes pedestrian upgrades and a cycling lane; the rejuvenation of La Rosa street and pedestrianisation of San Martín street, forming part of the El Toscal Special Plan and aligning with future Low Emissions Zone requirements.
Regarding Heritage, attention was drawn to the revitalisation of Viera y Clavijo park, with the mayor mentioning that “this year we will unveil its future purpose”; the restoration of the Masonic Temple; plans for the remaining floors of Palacio de Carta; and the long-awaited renovation of the Guimerá Theatre.
The Planning and Management department has initiated a minor amendment to the current PGOU-05 for the development of the Las Teresitas beachfront; work is underway on formulating the initial approval document for the Protection Catalogue; and in collaboration with the Cabildo, efforts to finalise the management and development of the Technology Park sector have been revived.
Progress in Discipline includes advancing towards the demolition of the Añaza building, following the declaration of its social disuse, enabling the city council to acquire it for subsequent demolition; closure of 901 files (as opposed to 650 the previous year), streamlining processing; and almost a twofold increase in sanctions processed, rising from 13 in 2023 to 22 this year thus far.
In terms of public housing, the Regeneration and Urban Renewal Action Programme is ongoing, targeting building rehabilitation and public space revitalisation in 1,568 homes. Additionally, social policies have seen a budget increase to thirty million euros, achieving an execution level of 99% for benefits and 90% for disability aid.
Within the realm of Sports, the approval of projects at María Jiménez and Juan XXIII was mentioned, alongside the initiation of works at the Almáciga sports centre to resolve subsidence issues, along with the approval of the tender for the Taganana sports court. Regarding Culture, focus was placed on eleven temporary exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts, drawing a total of 22,357 visitors, including artworks like Cabeza de Venado by Diego Velázquez, and the addition of sculptures like Carla by Jaume Plensa outside the TEA.
Moreover, the Development Society has facilitated the return of major concerts to the city through events like the Tenerife Music Festival, Ed Sheeran concert, and the Cook Music Fest, in addition to crafting the Commerce Master Plan and establishing the inaugural Commerce Board.
Economic Stability
Santa Cruz has also solidified its financial standing upon budget settlement, enabling the local government to maintain a policy of low tax burden, placing it among the provincial capitals with minimal taxation without compromising service provision. All this is accomplished with a current investment budget of almost 100 million Euros.
This inaugural year serves as a preview of Santa Cruz in the following four years. “Each axis of our projects propels us towards a city closer to the sea, with increased neighbourhood investments, envisioning the expansion of the Refinery area, a robust cycling network, reduced CO2 emissions, pollution-free sea, livelier streets, and an economy driven by the service sector, ultimately creating a more prosperous city,” he remarked.
