Growing Concerns Surround the Future of Santa Cruz Silo

The potential demolition of the Santa Cruz silo has ignited a wave of concern among architectural experts and heritage advocates, who fear the loss of a significant piece of the city’s industrial history. This iconic structure, which has stood for decades, is now at the center of a heated debate regarding its preservation versus demolition.

The Official College of Architects (COA) of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro has voiced strong opposition to the proposed demolition, emphasizing the silo’s importance as a vital example of modern industrial architecture that warrants protection. The COA has highlighted that the draft Cultural Heritage Protection Catalogue of Santa Cruz underscores the necessity of preserving this landmark, which plays a crucial role in the city’s maritime port landscape.

Mobilizing for Preservation Efforts

Maria Nieves Febles, the dean of the COA, alongside other heritage specialists, is preparing to meet with representatives from the Port Authority to discuss the future of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife silo. Their primary objective is to advocate for the structure’s preservation and explore potential avenues for its repurposing, ensuring that it is both protected and reused in a way that benefits the community. The COA is calling for a comprehensive consultation process that includes technical experts, cultural agents, and the public, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the silo’s architectural and heritage value. This collaborative approach could lead to informed decision-making regarding the silo’s future.

Immediate Need for Dialogue

Febles has expressed her profound concern regarding the looming demolition plans, emphasizing that the silo is the only remaining structure of its kind in Spain. She warned that proceeding with its demolition would lead to a significant loss of the city’s historical legacy and cultural identity. The dean has stressed the urgency of initiating a consultation process to explore alternative uses for the facility, urging the Port Authority to reconsider its plans and engage in a dialogue that prioritizes the community’s interests.

Heritage Protection Process Underway

The Santa Cruz silo, constructed in the 1960s, is currently undergoing administrative processing as part of the Cultural Heritage Protection Catalogue of Santa Cruz. Febles noted that the structure is in the midst of a full protection process, and moving forward with its demolition without considering other options would constitute an attack on the city’s heritage. The COA believes that the silo’s architectural significance and historical context should be thoroughly evaluated before any irreversible decisions are made.

Inspiring Global Examples of Silo Repurposing

The COA has pointed out that there are numerous successful examples worldwide of converting historical silos into vibrant cultural venues. Febles referenced the silo in Kristiansand, Norway, which recently won an architecture award from the Superior Council of Architects of Spain (CSCAE) for its innovative transformation. Other notable projects include the SZHK Biennale – Silo in Shenzhen, China, which has become a hub for artistic expression; the Zwarte Silo in Deventer, Netherlands, which serves as a popular dining area; the Almagro Silo, now a cultural center in Ciudad Real, Spain; and the Automatic Mills Silo in Pardubice, Czech Republic, which has been creatively repurposed for community use. These examples serve as a testament to the potential for innovative reuse of such structures, showcasing how they can be integrated into contemporary urban life while preserving their historical essence.

The Unique Significance of the Santa Cruz Silo

The COA has reiterated that the Santa Cruz Silo was part of the National Network of Silos and Granaries, established in the post-war era for grain storage and distribution across Spain. It remains the only structure of its type following the demolition of a similar silo in Málaga in 2006. The silo’s distinctive 30-meter-high tower has made it a landmark of modern industrial architecture and a significant reference point along the route connecting San Andrés and Avenida de Anaga. Its presence not only contributes to the city’s skyline but also serves as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage and the stories that shaped its development.

Key points

• The COA of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro opposes the demolition of the Santa Cruz silo.
• The silo is highlighted in the draft Cultural Heritage Protection Catalogue of Santa Cruz.
• Maria Nieves Febles and COA specialists are advocating for its preservation and repurposing.
• The silo is the only remaining structure of its kind in Spain.
• Successful global examples of silo repurposing include projects in Norway, China, and Spain.
• The Santa Cruz Silo is part of the National Network of Silos and Granaries.
• Its 30-meter-high tower is a notable landmark in the city.