The Cabildo of Tenerife and the La Laguna City Council have reached an agreement to unblock the remodeling of Las Carboneras Square, in Anaga. This space has been the focal point of one of the main demands of the area for over ten years. Its future is now somewhat clearer after both administrations have approved a covenant.
The Governing Council of the island institution approved this week a document that will allow for the comprehensive remodeling of the so-called San Isidro Square. The Tenerife Cabildo will handle the execution of the work and the administrative processing of the file, while the City Council will be responsible for drafting the technical project and maintaining the space after the work is completed.
«This is a long-awaited action by the residents, who have been requesting improvements in this central space of the settlement for more than ten years», stated the island institution. The total area of action is 411 square meters, including the square and the surrounding pavement. «The goal is to modernize the space without losing the essence of the environment, respecting the cultural and landscape value of the Anaga Rural Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve», indicated the Tenerife Cabildo.
In August 2024, the Department of Works and Infrastructure of the La Laguna City Council announced that it planned to launch the bidding for the remodeling project. «These works respond to several neighborhood suggestions requesting the improvement of this leisure and enjoyment environment for the citizens of this settlement in the municipality», expressed at the time by the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
«This work represents an important step in dignifying the spaces where residents’ daily lives unfold», stated this week the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, and added that «it is not just about renovating a square, but about giving Las Carboneras back a more accessible, comfortable, and safe place; a meeting point that is part of the soul of the settlement».
The importance of the square in the area is explained by the characteristics of the place. «With nearly 200 inhabitants, Las Carboneras is the most populated center of the Anaga Rural Park», contextualized the Cabildo. «San Isidro Square, where the chapel and the community center are located, is the main axis of local life. The current space is notably deteriorated, with accessibility problems, humidity, and structural wear, making comprehensive intervention necessary», it added.
The remodeling includes the complete renovation of the pavement, which will be made of natural stone; the removal of architectural barriers such as elevated planters and steps, and the reconstruction of the walls that delimit the planters with reinforced concrete clad in stone. A playground with a rubber floor will also be installed, and all urban furniture, lighting, benches, trash cans, and railings will be renewed.
A highlight is the construction of a raised platform in front of the chapel, accessible via ramps and stairs, allowing its use as a small stage for celebrations and activities. This action will eliminate the three steps that made access to the temple difficult. «With this project, we not only solve a structural problem but also open new opportunities for the space», said Dávila.
