Protection of Pérez Minik Theatre Under Threat Amid New Plans
The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Viera y Clavijo Cultural Park has once again brought the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council’s plan to demolish the Pérez Minik Theatre to the attention of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This action follows the council’s recent announcement regarding modifications to the contract and the project for the new Pérez Minik auditorium. The Association argues that these plans are incompatible with the protection of the site, which has been declared as a Cultural Asset of Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC).
Concerns Over Alterations
The group contends that alterations are being made to the BIC—ranging from the façade to the gardens—without the necessary disaffection or declaration of ruin, which they believe are essential to act on a protected asset.
Heritage Alarm
Led by Ana Mendoza, the Association had previously warned in March that the theatre faced “imminent and irreversible” demolition. Consequently, they submitted documentation to the provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office for Heritage and the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute, as explained to Atlántico Hoy. The Association now insists that the aim is to prevent a demolition they deem illegal, arguing it could constitute “an alleged act of heritage plunder by the Administration.” They assert that the issue extends beyond the theatre to the entire monumental complex of Viera y Clavijo.
Feeling of Helplessness
The Association also highlights its feeling of helplessness since its inception in 2011. The collective formed with the singular purpose of dedicating their time “to this peculiar struggle, in which we engage selflessly in a fight for heritage conservation, despite being outnumbered but not outmoralised, against those who are legally obligated to protect and respect our Historical and Cultural Heritage.” Their mission aims to preserve this iconic site in Santa Cruz, which boasts 123 years of history.
In 2015, the Association successfully thwarted the demolition of the Pérez Minik Theatre. However, they now face significant challenges due to a “great degree of helplessness,” as they lack access to free legal assistance—unlike other associations recognised as being of public utility. This forces them to defend the BIC solely relying on their own resources.
The Council’s Position
In response to these concerns, the Santa Cruz City Council argues that the operation will finally unlock a project that has been stalled for years. Indeed, on June 3, the Governing Board approved the modification of the contract for drafting and overseeing the work to unify the historic building, the future Pérez Minik Auditorium, and the adjoining areas into a single intervention.
The Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, referred to this as a “before and after” moment, positioning the arrival of CaixaForum Tenerife as an opportunity to elevate the capital within a broader cultural circuit.
Extended Timeline and Costs
The revised approach also alters the timeline, as the completion of the works, initially scheduled for summer 2026, has now been pushed back to late 2027. This extension, particularly considering the plans for demolishing the current theatre and constructing the new one, reinforces the municipal vision of a more ambitious cultural complex. Nevertheless, it also intensifies scepticism among those who fear that rehabilitation may end up distorting the historical value of the site.
Thus, the Viera y Clavijo has become a focal point where the city’s push for cultural modernisation clashes with the community-led efforts to defend heritage.
