The La Laguna City Council is set to engage an external contractor for the development of a new initiative aimed at refurbishing the old garages situated on Marqués de Celada Street. This site will accommodate the Association of Major Father Anchieta, also known as the Hogar del pensioner Padre Anchieta, alongside various other potential uses which are currently under consideration, as per municipal sources.
It is important to note that a portion of this property currently houses a supermarket, but at the time, the property was designated by the City Council of La Laguna for future use by the pensioner’s home, along with other organisations.
Nonetheless, regarding the initial project submitted, the Works department provided a negative assessment. “The company failed to agree but did not communicate any changes to us, and the minor contract expired,” explained the Councilor for Works, Ángel Chinea, during the latest municipal session, which took place within the context of a motion presented by the PP concerning this property.
Consequently, a decision was made to “encourage a new project that adheres to accessibility standards, with evacuation areas and all necessary requirements to accommodate individuals or organisations from the realm of social welfare wishing to utilise the space,” stated the mayor, while pointing out that the approach to its development was still under examination.
Ultimately, Ángel Chinea confirmed shortly after that the City Council “would engage an external contractor for the drafting of the project to refurbish the old garages.” “The procedure will be coordinated and overseen collaboratively by the works department and the Social Welfare Department, to delineate the contracting conditions and specifics of the project. The government group’s aim is for the service for project drafting to be put out to tender within this year,” he further added.
Intended Uses
Concerning the functions that this space will serve, the Councilor of the Social Welfare Area, María Cruz, clarified that “the upper section of the property will be designated for the centre of the Association of Major Father Anchieta,” as “the present facilities of this association are inadequate, presenting issues of conservation and lack of space.”
“Through this initiative, we aim to provide an environment where the well-being of its members and the execution of its activities can be assured,” she remarked. As such, this centre is anticipated to feature an auditorium, several workshop areas, accessible bathrooms, including those equipped for ostomy care, and a small office.
Meanwhile, for the ground floor of the premises, “various possibilities are being evaluated by the social welfare department, including a space to accommodate different social entities of the municipality or facilities for assisting individuals with disabilities, although we are still assessing the most suitable options,” stated María Cruz.