The Santa Cruz City Council will commence next week the sixth phase of the transformation works on the central street, La Rosa, “so that the Our Lady of Africa market can be improved,” as announced yesterday by the mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez (Canarian Coalition).
The Councillor for Works and Infrastructure, Javier Rivero (CC), clarified that “the new section will begin this month of May and will create better conditions for commerce in the area, as the intersection of Moon and Santa Rosalía streets is located there.” He further noted that “for these reasons, last Monday we convened with the merchants who would be impacted by this transformation of La Rosa Street. At that meeting, alongside the technicians and the mayor of the Central-Iphara District, Purificación Dávila, we addressed the concerns and queries raised, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that this project may present.”
“At present,” stated the mayor, “the works are concentrated on phases three and four, between San Antonio and San Vicente Ferrer streets, with an execution period of eight months. Our goal is for these two phases to be completed and open to vehicular traffic by next December.” He emphasised that “currently, 50% of the entire La Rosa street is accessible, which outlines a clear picture of how the improvements will conclude, featuring wide and fully navigable sidewalks, a communal gathering area, and spaces for shoppers.”
More Pedestrian-Friendly Streets
Councillor Purificación Dávila assured the merchants that “this new phase will be marked by alternative routes for both vehicles and pedestrians. This initiative, in the heart of El Toscal, will enable the creation of more pedestrian-friendly streets and provide opportunities for commerce stretching from the Almeyda barracks to La Luna street, adjacent to the Prince’s Square.”
“The commencement of this new phase,” Rivero remarked, “will see the establishment of a loading zone on La Luna Street, and the boundary of the asphalted area will begin, paving the way for work towards San Vicente Ferrer Street. The intention is to coordinate with the other work team currently engaged in phases III and IV, to enhance efficiency and shorten the overall timeframe of the project.”
The activities on La Rosa began in July 2023. Although the initial completion was estimated at two years, technical issues, such as the condition of the potable water supply network, have necessitated delays in various phases, with a revised completion anticipated by 2026.
