The area commonly referred to as Plaza del Orche is being transformed into a new pedestrian zone, situated at the junction of Méndez Núñez, Robayna, and July Twenty-Five streets. The construction work is progressing steadily and, while its official inauguration is anticipated for mid-April, the Chicharrero City Council has opted to expedite its reopening to coincide with the carnival festivities on February 28. The works will be paused during the celebrations to allow the carnival to utilise the area, taking advantage of the new placements for kiosks and sound towers which will enhance the traditional dances in this part of the city.
The Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, along with the Councillors for works and infrastructure and festivities, Javier Rivero and Javier Caraballero, inspected the ongoing work yesterday and highlighted that “the square will now feature greater space and will be equipped with urban furniture, including new bins, benches, flowerpots, and green areas which will incorporate three palm trees and seven new trees, as well as a bicycle parking area”.
The construction is almost finished, following the removal of battery parking areas around the large central lamp, which is one of the oldest in the city and continues to oversee the revamped square. “Next week, after the street carnival, the entire paving process will be completed, and following the holidays, work will continue, focusing solely on installing the furniture and landscaping,” the councillor stated.
Furthermore, the project will extend to July Twenty-Five, “where a platform will be created to extend the central pedestrian promenade, following the removal of the existing crossing,” explained the Councillor for Works, Javier Rivero. He also mentioned that “the project, with an investment of nearly 700,000 euros, has experienced some delays due to the enhancement of the underground drainage system.”
These green spaces will feature a specially designed permeable surface that, for the first time, is being implemented in a project in Santa Cruz. This porous material will capture rainwater through a substrate of soil and gravel that will facilitate the irrigation of the plants, providing them with additional room for root expansion thanks to the internal drainage system. These landscaped areas, which will be planted with seasonal plants after the carnival, will include more trees, effectively doubling the current count.
Additionally, the mayor stated that another feature of this new space will be its renaming, following a proposal to designate it as Plaza de las Militias de Canarias. “This will now be presented to the municipal plenary for approval, in accordance with the regulations governing honours and distinctions. The aim is for this site to honour all Canarians who, though not military, defended the city against significant assaults,” he remarked.
