Juan Manuel Palem, a Professor of Architectural Projects at ULPGC and a founding partner of P & TDN Architects, alongside José Carlos Marrero, a journalist and technical architect, proposes that the optimal location for the new Recomb should be a sizable public area. This was the central theme during the conference they held yesterday at a shared venue in La Laguna, where they elaborated on the rationale behind their proposal and presented seven potential technical alternatives for the site.
The discussion stemmed from José Carlos Marrero’s insights, drawing on his experience and understanding of the Lagunera recova, regarding the current and future potential of this area, aided by the architectural expertise of Juan Manuel Palem. This initiative enjoys backing from the Casco Neighbours Association and the Cicop Foundation for its dissemination.
The seminar, attended by representatives from all political factions, including the mayor and the Market Councillor, commenced with José Carlos Marrero leading a historical and photographic exploration of the Lagunera Recomer from its origins in Plaza del Adelantado. He recounted its closure in 2007 due to structural collapse (with demolition in 2012) and how traders were subsequently relocated to the current infrastructure in Plaza del Cristo, originally intended as a temporary solution.
Eighteen years later, as per José Carlos Marrero’s assessment, Plaza del Adelantado is “overcrowded, there is insufficient parking, and the court requires more room. The requirements for the new recova do not align with the old site.” Therefore, he argues that relocating it to its original position “is reasonable today,” highlighting that the best current option might be the area previously occupied by the barracks of Christ, offering 14,500 square meters for the development of the new recova, as well as potential spaces like a farm market of zero-kilometre produce, a gastronomic market or an outdoor auditorium.
Moreover, he suggests transforming Cañaveral Street into an avenue, complete with two lanes, pavements, greenery, and a new roundabout. He proposed a timeline to achieve these aims by 2027.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that the Cabildo and the Ministry of Defence signed a purchase agreement for this barracks in December last year for €8.1 million. The Cabildo has also expressed intentions to establish socio-sanitary centres in this area.
In this context, José Carlos Marrero asserts that there are “more peaceful and suitable” locations for such centres, like Mota table or other areas within the municipality, suggesting that the Cabildo could relinquish the lot to the city council. Regarding the channeling of the carnage ravine, which has seen recent commencement of construction, intending to place the recova in its former site, he emphasises that such work is essential and independent from the market’s functionality. He believes the proposal to establish the market at the Barracks of Christ could indeed be “completely” feasible.
Additionally, during his presentation, Juan Manuel Palem elaborated on this concept by introducing seven experimental proposals and architectural alternatives that encompass not only the Barracks of Christ but also the area of the same name, thereby creating a substantial public space surrounding the Recova. He maintains that it is vital to perceive the market as “an opportunity for the city; it transcends mere construction, as the city market requires public space as a fundamental element, which is crucial for its integration and the regeneration of the area.”
During his address, Palem articulated the notion of urban architecture, examining the positioning of the Lagunera Recomer. He stated that situating it in Plaza del Adelantado would be “extremely challenging” due to accessibility issues and the urban environment, significantly complicating the logical operation of the supply market. In seeking alternative public spaces, he proposed developing the area around the Barracks of Christ, connecting it to Plaza del Cristo.
Seven Cases
From this point, he explained that “seven experimental cases have been proposed,” formulated with research groups from the architecture schools in Las Palmas, Milan, and Venice, focusing on the vicinity of Christ, integrating both the Plaza and the old barracks to create a cohesive public space while ensuring that both the Church of Christ and the remnants of the old convent remain intact. Furthermore, Palem emphasised the importance of incorporating into this area what was once the grand Alameda of the Prado, now recognised as Las Peopro road.
In general terms, across six of the proposals, La Recova is situated within the site of the Christ Barracks, presenting various designs, layouts, and uses for the additional spaces, whilst incorporating greenery both in this locale and in the plaza. Only in one instance does it suggest that the market continues in Plaza del Cristo, albeit at a different site and below ground level, featuring an open cover and a garden extending towards the barracks, which would include a perimeter wall with additional stalls from the local municipal market.
