The reinstatement of the La Laguna municipal market to its initial site in Plaza del Adelantado has taken a significant leap forward with the formal commencement of the channeling works for the carnage ravine at the back of this location. This development is a crucial prerequisite for establishing the future market in this historic area of the city, following its closure and relocation to Plaza del Cristo in 2007. The channeling project is projected to be completed within 21 months and involves an investment of €9.5 million.
Yesterday, the La Laguna City Council announced the initiation of these works, an event attended by the mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez (PSOE); Ángel Chinea, the councillor for works and infrastructure; and Luis Díez, the project manager appointed by the winning contractor, Asch Infrastructura.
“Eighteen years have elapsed, and it is with immense pride and satisfaction that we stand here today, fulfilling a commitment made to the citizens in 2019. We stated that one of our primary goals was to restore our municipality, which includes reclaiming our public spaces and meeting spots, such as the market. What we are witnessing today are the preliminary measures,” the mayor declared. He added that during this process, “we have encountered significant technical challenges, including the necessity of addressing this ravine channeling to comply with regulations set by the island of Aguas.”
The local councillor highlighted that “this channeling is essential to free up the area for the construction of the new market and to alter the original layout to avoid impacting nearby properties. Additionally, we are implementing a new drainage system that will enhance the safety and functionality of the area, whilst preserving the historical context.”
“The forecast set by the successful contractor indicates that 60% of the work should be completed this year. Meanwhile, our works and infrastructure department is working concurrently to ensure that once this channeling is finished, we will have resolved the necessary processes relating to the drafting and tendering of the new market construction, the renovation of Plaza del Adelantado, and the creation of 500 underground parking spaces. These requests came from the professionals operating in the market and users of this area,” the mayor added.
Details of the Works
The project manager from ASCH Infrastructuras explained that the work will begin with “the preparatory work to configure the site, followed by the piloting and support for the land.” He mentioned, “We expect to spend about a month on site preparations before bringing in the specific machinery needed for the piloting and support phase,” which he indicated will last several months before excavation can commence.
He further elaborated that the piloting involves “drilling with reinforced concrete that helps to stabilise the terrain.” He expressed that one of the major challenges of this project lies in the piloting needed for stability, particularly from a safety perspective, given that excavations will reach depths of 20 metres.
Upon the completion of the piloting, excavation will begin from behind Gran Hotel Lagun Adelantado Square (which has been closed since 20 January). “This excavation will involve removing approximately 20,000 cubic metres of earth to create a void of about 4,000 cubic metres of concrete,” forming a connection with the existing infrastructure in the vicinity, he noted.
He continued, “We will then refill and reconfigure the car park, even adding additional parking spaces to those already available, which will subsequently allow for the construction of the market.”
Díez also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and collaboration of the La Laguna City Council throughout this process, as well as the understanding shown by local merchants and residents regarding the potential disruptions expected in the following months.
It is important to mention that these works have resulted in traffic alterations around Plaza del Adelantado, including changes to the direction of José Clavijo y Fajardo Street, which is now accessible via San Roque road, allowing only property owners in the area and various services related to Gran Hotel Lagoon to access it. Additionally, parking access located behind Plaza del Adelantado has been restricted, with parking now prohibited.
Preparatory Work
In this respect, the current local authority commissioned a modified basic plan and subsequently ordered the drafting of the necessary execution project to facilitate the channeling works. “These channeling efforts possess considerable technical complexities due to the characteristics of the land, necessitating special foundations and piloting, alongside tasks to consolidate the ravine slope. This initiative aims to ensure continuity for works already completed on the channeling beyond the Palace of Justice,” the mayor stated. It was noted from the City Council that these actions would also align the project with the Tenerife Hydrological Plan, with favourable reports from the Insular Water Council, the competent authority in this matter.
