Works to transform the barracks of Christ in La Laguna into a socio-health centre aimed at offering dependency care could commence in around eighteen months, according to estimates from EFE sources associated with the Tenerife Cabildo.
A master plan will first need to be developed, detailing what aspects can be preserved and what can be constructed within this 18,500 square metre area, recently acquired from the Ministry of Defence, along with projects for the renovation and maintenance of the San Francisco convent.
This initiative represents a “significant” investment that will require the backing of the Canary Islands Government, as the Cristo barracks have endured 170 years of military use and necessitate a “complex” restoration to create a social and health facility offering a variety of services.
The outlined space, as presented by the Cabildo of Tenerife, specifies the total buildable area (19,443 m²), and breaks down the land elements: the old barracks (11,433 m²), the San Francisco convent (1,276 m²), Plaza San Francisco 3 (1,501 m²), and the extension of Cañaveral Street (2,938 m²).
The document notably highlights an area occupying 886 square metres that must be preserved, situated between the barracks and the convent.
During a press conference, the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, confirmed that the acquisition of the Cristo barracks at a cost of 8.1 million euros will enhance social and health care capacities in the metropolitan region, where 46% of the island’s elderly population, aged 65 and over, resides.
It has been indicated that among the facilities to be included in this accommodation will be a “cohousing” space and independent living units for older individuals with lower levels of dependency, specialised centres for those with substantial support needs, and a day centre.
The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has expressed the Government’s endorsement for this initiative, noting its “unique” character, considering its implications and the locality in which it will be situated, while also acknowledging the efforts following “numerous attempts” to repurpose this area for public use.
The First Deputy Mayor of La Laguna, Badel Alberlo, has also highlighted the mobility improvements that this refurbishment and adaptation of the Cristo barracks will bring to the city, particularly addressing “the significant scar” formed by Cañaveral road, which is set to be widened by 12 metres.
