La Laguna Plans New Multifunctional Pavilion in Las Mantecas

The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, announced on September 16 the development of a new multifunctional municipal pavilion in Las Mantecas, designed to accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators.

Details of the Pavilion Project

This new facility aims to serve as a venue for significant sporting events, concerts, and fairs. The announcement was made at the Juan Ríos Tejera Pavilion, which the mayor referred to as the “cradle of local sport.” The event was attended by local sports representatives, municipal councillors, and members of the media. Urban Planning Manager María Bencomo was also present to discuss the project’s technical details.

Mayor Gutiérrez emphasized that the initiative has been in the works for several years, involving collaboration among various departments within the Council, including the Autonomous Sports Organisation and the Department of Works and Infrastructure. He stated, “We have already initiated the process to construct a major sporting facility in our municipality. A modular pavilion capable of hosting significant sporting events, as well as conferences, fairs, concerts, and top-tier events.”

Enhancing Local Sports Infrastructure

The mayor highlighted the necessity of this new pavilion to support elite sports clubs in La Laguna that compete at national and international levels. He noted that the existing Santiago Martín Pavilion is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of these teams.

In addition to providing a venue for sports, the new pavilion will help distribute major events away from the city center, addressing community concerns about noise and congestion. Gutiérrez stated, “La Laguna gains a multifunctional space that will allow us to stagger the presence of major events in the city centre, while also responding to community demands for the right to rest.”

Location and Funding Plans

The Urban Planning Department is currently working on modifying the General Urban Planning Plan to facilitate the construction of the pavilion on a 42,000 square meter site in Las Mantecas, situated below the Faculty of Fine Arts. The mayor pointed out that this location offers several advantages, including accessibility via public transport, a tram stop, and plans for a bus stop on the TF-5. Additionally, the site will feature over 800 underground parking spaces.

Gutiérrez expressed the Council’s commitment to advancing this project and is actively seeking funding from European sources, the Government of Spain, and regional administrations. He estimated that the total investment required for the pavilion will be around €32 million, emphasizing that while the facility will serve La Laguna, it will also meet the needs of the entire island of Tenerife.

Future Developments and Community Benefits

María Bencomo clarified that the designated plot is currently classified for university use and as Urban Park Open Space. However, the university has indicated it will not utilize the land, allowing it to be repurposed for municipal use. The planned modification will designate the area as Sports Open Space, permitting 25% of the land to be developed for covered sporting facilities.

This modification allows for a buildable area of 10,591 square meters, which is nearly double the size of the Santiago Martín Pavilion. The remaining 75% of the site will be transformed into an urban sports park, contributing to the municipality’s green space and enhancing its environmental quality. Gutiérrez remarked, “In this way, we not only gain a new pavilion but also a large green area, which will serve as one of the main urban lungs of the municipality.”

As the modification process unfolds, which is expected to take about two years, the Council plans to initiate an international design competition to ensure the pavilion is not only functional but also architecturally distinguished.

Key points

• The new pavilion in Las Mantecas will have a capacity for 10,000 spectators.
• The project aims to support local elite sports clubs and host major events.
• The site covers 42,000 square meters and will include over 800 underground parking spaces.
• An estimated investment of €32 million is needed for the pavilion’s construction.
• The area will also feature an urban sports park, enhancing green space in La Laguna.
• The Council is seeking funding from various governmental sources to support the project.
• The pavilion’s design will be determined through an international competition.