The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside the deputy to the presidency of Ingesport, Alfonso Arroyo, who is the owner of the Go Fit Sports Centres, and the councillors for works, sports, and health — Javier Rivero, Alicia Cebrián, and Zaida González, respectively — inspected today “the final touches being completed at the new Santa Cruz centre, which is anticipated to open at the end of May or the beginning of June,” stated the municipal councillor.
Bermúdez added that “we can announce that we are in the process of auctioning the construction of the new Santa Cruz Go Fit sports complex, while also handling all the necessary documentation related to legalisation, utility connections, and the communication of activity, so that we can open the facilities as soon as possible.” He further remarked that “these facilities will be much more than just the largest sports complex in the city; they are also a significant alternative promoting health and aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our citizens.”
Bermúdez stressed that “this new sports complex will allow approximately 10,000 locals to utilise it, which is fantastic news following many years of effort” and he wanted to congratulate Go Fit for overcoming initial challenges and ensuring that the quality of the facilities meets our expectations.
“Currently, all the necessary equipment required to provide excellent service to users is being installed,” the mayor stated, “therefore, the construction is nearing completion,” and he hinted that “the grand opening, slated for either the end of May or the beginning of June, will be a momentous occasion, especially since the registration is nearly at full capacity for the 10,000 slots available.”
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Works, Javier Rivero, indicated that “we will slightly adjust our initial timeline, which aimed for April, primarily due to unforeseen complications with the pool and spa, improvements to the waterproofing and cladding, and the necessary health inspection report, which we are working to expedite with the Canary Islands Government.” He added, “we expect to secure electricity supply following Holy Week, requiring an additional two weeks for testing and installation.”
In conclusion, the mayor emphasised that “the quality of the facilities is top-notch, and this means that the City Council will own the installation, which will be known as the Santa Cruz sports centre.”
Alfonso Arroyo addressed the parking situation, stating “we manage it consistently; in essence, we do not charge for parking; anyone visiting the centre receives two hours of free parking, preventing them from needing to leave their vehicle while shopping.” He continued, “it is important to note that there are 300 parking spaces available, which can accommodate parents with children or elderly people, encouraging many to walk to the centre.”
Arroyo took the opportunity to assert that “one of the core values that Go Fit emphasises is our commitment to engaging with the community in cities that prioritise health and physical fitness.” He adds that “this is why we were eager to establish ourselves on this island and in this city, the capital, as we have long realised the importance of revitalising public spaces and promoting general well-being for the population.”
Rivero clarified that “the opening will provide a new recreational space for the public, which will also enhance the development of the surrounding area, generating numerous job opportunities in its management.” He specified that “the pool, named after David González and part of the complex, will feature three swimming areas, including one of 25 metres, plus a splash pool, and a 1,700 m² gym, along with multipurpose areas, a play area for young children, and a café.”
Alicia Cebrián confirmed that “two sections of the new facility will be under direct public management by the City Council, including the new Paco Álvarez courts and the four Squad courts.” She asserted, “we must not forget that the Insular Centre of Squad has been located here,” emphasizing that “this new installation virtually triples the space of the previous centre and at least doubles the basketball facilities. The equipment that utilised the past space will have priority for access, but the Sports Service will ultimately dictate how the space is utilised.”
Zaida González, Councillor for Health-La Salle District, highlighted that “for this part of the city, it will also introduce outdoor features serving multiple purposes, such as a public square connected to both Heliodoro Rodríguez López and La Mutine streets.” She added that “this area will serve as a precursor to the building, facilitating a central location where public playgrounds will foster community interaction and recreation.”
In summary, it is noteworthy that the pre-registration list for this new sports facility remains open, currently exceeding 12,000 registrants for what will become the Santa Cruz sports complex, designed to serve around 10,000 patrons, over 5,000 of whom have already formalised their registration. Additionally, there will be 400 lockers in each of the two proposed changing areas, with access facilitated through either a wristband or a mobile application.