Luis Yeray Gutiérrez reveals new facility project with a capacity for 10,000 spectators
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, announced on Tuesday, 16 September, the project for the construction of a new multifunctional municipal pavilion, to be located at Las Mantecas, with an approximate capacity of 10,000 spectators. This facility will host major sporting competitions as well as large events, such as concerts and fairs.
Project Announcement
The presentation of this significant project took place symbolically at the Juan Ríos Tejera Pavilion, described by the mayor as the “cradle of local sport”, in front of representatives from local sports organisations, municipal councillors, and the media. The Urban Planning Manager, María Bencomo, joined Luis Yeray Gutiérrez to explain the technical aspects of the project.
“We have already initiated the process to construct a major sporting facility in our municipality. A modular pavilion capable of hosting significant sporting events, as well as conferences, fairs, concerts, and top-tier events,” the mayor stated, highlighting that the project has emerged after several years of planning and collaboration between various departments within the Council, including the Autonomous Sports Organisation, the Department of Works and Infrastructure, and the Municipal Services Department.
Supporting Local Sports
“We aim to create a modern infrastructure that meets the needs and objectives of elite clubs based in our municipality. Clubs that compete in national categories and international competitions and require a new pavilion, as it is evident that the Santiago Martín has become inadequate for the demand generated by these teams,” asserted Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
Simultaneously, La Laguna “gains a multifunctional space that will allow us to stagger the presence of major events in the city centre, while also responding to community demands for the right to rest,” the mayor elaborated.
Site and Investment
The mayor announced that the Urban Planning Department has already begun a minor modification of the General Urban Planning Plan so that the 42,000 square metre plot at Las Mantecas, located below the Faculty of Fine Arts, can accommodate the new sports facility.
“This location has numerous advantages, one of which is its accessibility,” the mayor assured, emphasising that the plot “is well-served by public transport, has a tram stop, and plans are underway for a bus stop on the TF-5. Additionally, we will have more than 800 underground parking spaces.”
“The Council will promote this process, and we want other administrations to join in, as we cannot wait any longer. We are already seeking funding lines from Europe, as well as from the Government of Spain and regional and island administrations, because this pavilion may serve La Laguna, but it addresses a demand that encompasses the entire island of Tenerife,” stated Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, estimating that an investment of €32 million will be required to bring this project to fruition.
Future Developments
The Urban Planning Manager, María Bencomo, clarified that this plot is initially designated in the General Plan for university use and Urban Park Open Space, although the university has already informed the Council that it does not plan to use it, meaning it will become municipal property. The modification of the General Plan will establish that this land will be considered Sports Open Space, allowing 25% of the plot to be allocated for covered sporting facilities.
This translates to a buildable area of 10,591 m²; approximately double that of the Santiago Martín Pavilion. The remaining 75% of the plot will be dedicated to an urban sports park. “In this way, we not only gain a new pavilion but also a large green area, which will serve as one of the main urban lungs of the municipality,” expressed the mayor.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez indicated that as this partial modification of the General Plan is carried out, which may take about two years, “we will initiate the process for an international design competition, as we aspire to have an infrastructure that is recognised not only for its facilities and capacity but also for its design.”
