After five years of closure, the Marine Sports Centre of Tenerife (CIDEMAT), situated in the Valseco district, has a scheduled date to commence the renovations that will reinstate this historic facility dedicated to nautical sports activities in the capital. This infrastructure, which ceased operations in March 2020 due to its disrepair, is set to be revitalised with the construction of a new building, the project for which will be put out to tender in the second half of 2025.
The Minister of Sports for the Cabildo de Tenerife, Yolanda Moliné (CC), stated yesterday that “the expectation is that the contract could be awarded in approximately six months, allowing work to begin at the CIDEMAT. This project is estimated to cost around €6.3 million and is projected to take 21 months to complete. It has undergone public consultation and, following the assessment and response to the comments made by the City of Santa Cruz, the Vela Federation, and another Vela Club, it will now progress.”
The renovations will enable the CIDEMAT to be refurbished with new structures, featuring extensive public spaces, a dry marina, and an outdoor meeting area designed like stands, along with a ramp for sea access.
The facility will also incorporate a service programme comprising restrooms, changing rooms, storage, and reception, as well as a covered area on the deck. This volumetric design will facilitate the new building’s interaction with the city, ensuring its proper landscape integration within the broader environment.
The minister explained that “on January 17, we responded to the concerns raised by the Sports Department of the Capital City Council, which were straightforward and reasonable regarding specific aspects of the surface and operation of certain areas within the future centre. The next step involves the final approval of the project so that the construction works can be tendered, which is anticipated in two months. After that, the contract will be awarded to commence the work.”
Moliné emphasised that “the aim is to initiate these works during this mandate, allowing for its continuation by whoever governs the island institution thereafter. However, the commitment of the PP, as outlined in our electoral manifesto, is to reclaim spaces open to the sea, making the CIDEMAT a clear focus.”
In response, the Councilor for Sports of the Chicharrero Consistory, Alicia Cebrián, expressed that “this long-awaited project has been postponed excessively, preventing numerous generations from enjoying water sports for five years, while leaving Tenerife lagging behind in this area of sport. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are further ahead and even attract Olympic teams, whereas we lack suitable infrastructure for such pursuits.”
Cebrián highlighted that “from the City Council, we are attempting to address this shortfall by promoting activities such as surfing and canoeing at the beaches of Anaga and Las Teresitas, the latter of which is about to see an expansion of sports facilities at its southern end, thanks to forthcoming works that are scheduled to commence this year and conclude in 2026.”
In this regard, she revealed that, in collaboration with the Strategic Planning Area, “a new facility will be set up in the Las Teresitas car park using containers or individual modules, which will be available for clubs or rescue personnel so they can store materials needed for these activities and have a space for meetings.”
Additionally, there are plans for a calisthenics area and the introduction of other sports on the beach, such as sailing, diving, and windsurfing, with a budget allocated of €50,000. Another facility will also be established in the Valseco pools, complete with outdoor anti-slip exercise equipment and calisthenics, with an anticipated investment of €50,000.
A Commitment and Obligation to Santa Cruz and Nautical Sports
The CIDEMAT was constructed in 1990 along the coastline of the Valseco neighbourhood. In 2020, the previous island administration, led by PSOE and Citizens, opted for its closure due to structural issues, leaving this iconic facility for water sports neglected. In August 2023, the island president, Rosa Dávila, assured Santa Cruz that efforts would be made to restore this centre, describing it as “a commitment and a debt to the capital and Tenerife.” This agreement also involves the Port Authority for Infrastructure Rehabilitation, alongside the City Council.
