La Laguna City Council Revamps Tender to Boost Accessibility in Community Centres

The La Laguna City Council has taken significant steps to enhance accessibility across its community centres by announcing a renewed tender aimed at improving facilities throughout the municipality. This initiative reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring that all residents can enjoy equal access to essential community services.

Revitalizing the Bidding Process for Local Enterprises

In a strategic move to attract a broader range of bidders, the council has reissued the first phase of its accessibility plan on the public procurement platform. The estimated value of the contract is set at €177,995, with a completion timeline of four months. Companies interested in participating in this tender must submit their bids by 14 November.

Ángel Chinea, the Councillor for Works, Infrastructure and Accessibility, explained that the previous tender, which was launched in June, did not receive any bids. However, he noted that several companies had expressed interest in the project but were unable to participate at that time. To encourage greater competition and engagement from local businesses, the council has decided to restart the bidding process and promote it more effectively, ensuring that potential bidders are aware of the opportunities available.

The Importance of Community Centres in La Laguna

Fran Hernández, the Councillor for Citizen Participation, emphasized the critical role that community centres play in fostering social interaction and community engagement. These centres serve as vital venues for coexistence, allowing local groups and associations to thrive. They also encourage residents to share experiences and collaborate on various projects. The planned renovations are essential to ensure these spaces are comfortable and accessible for everyone, particularly for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Overview of the Accessibility Contract’s Objectives

The primary goal of the new contract mirrors that of the previous tender, focusing on a series of modifications designed to align the municipal citizen centres with current universal accessibility standards. This initial phase will target four centres in Taco and five in La Cuesta, with plans for future phases to encompass all municipal buildings, thereby creating a more inclusive environment for all residents.

Identified Locations for Initial Accessibility Improvements

The community centres slated for upgrades in Taco include San Miguel de Chimisay, Pérez Soto de El Cardonal, Las Chumberas, and San Luis Gonzaga. In La Cuesta, the centres earmarked for physical adaptations are El Tranvía, Vistamar de La Higuerita, La Candelaria, Finca España, and Princesa Yballa. These locations were chosen based on their current accessibility challenges and the need for improvements to better serve the community.

Proposed Accessibility Enhancements for Each Centre

The specific needs and interventions for each centre will vary, encompassing a wide range of improvements tailored to enhance accessibility. Planned enhancements include the installation of assistance call points, renovations of restrooms to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility, the addition of skirting boards to railings, removal of steps, installation and extension of access ramps and stairs, vertical platform lifts, and compliant signage, among other enhancements. These modifications are designed to create a welcoming environment for all community members, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in the activities offered at these centres.

Key points

• The La Laguna City Council has reissued a tender for accessibility improvements in community centres.
• The estimated contract value is €177,995, with a deadline for bids set for 14 November.
• Previous tender efforts in June received no bids, prompting a restart of the process.
• Community centres are crucial for social interaction and community participation.
• The initial phase targets four centres in Taco and five in La Cuesta.
• Planned enhancements include restrooms renovations and installation of access ramps.