Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council Takes Over Management of La Abejera Market
New Management Plan Unveiled
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future of La Abejera Market in the García Escámez neighbourhood of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the city council has confirmed it will directly manage the site. This decision follows the expiration of the municipal concession at the beginning of June, prompting an announcement that the area of Strategic Planning will take over management, planning to allocate it to the Promotion Society.
During the council’s control committee meeting on Thursday, Public Services Councillor Carlos Tarife explained why, despite the management concession granted to Alvenri Mercados SL expiring in June 2024 and extended for an additional two years without further extensions, the council had not put a new management contract out to tender.
Feasibility Report Findings
Tarife revealed that a feasibility report generated by municipal technicians advised against issuing a new concession for La Abejera Market. The report indicated that such a tender was likely to remain unfulfilled due to the high number of currently vacant premises hindered by a lack of activity within the market.
As previously reported by Atlántico Hoy, negotiations are now underway between the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council and the Nuestra Señora de África Market. The aim is to reach an agreement allowing members of the cooperative from that market to occupy the vacant spaces in La Abejera. This initiative would support businesses operated by trainees in various trades, such as butchers and fishmongers, providing practical experience.
Revitalisation of the Market
Tarife’s proposal aims to revitalise La Abejera Market by filling the vacant premises to enhance the offerings available and manage the market directly through the Promotion Society. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has already begun managing the market and has introduced new services, such as security and cleaning.
Furthermore, Tarife confirmed that the fees paid by the premises will remain unchanged under the new direct municipal management.
