Efforts Intensify to Secure Concessionaire for Underutilized Silo at Puerto de Tenerife

The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is making concerted efforts to identify a concessionaire who can breathe new life into a silo that has faced persistent challenges in attracting interest over the years. This initiative comes at a time when the port is grappling with space constraints and the need for modernization.

Ongoing Struggles to Generate Interest

Pedro Suárez, the President of the Port Authority, has openly expressed his frustration regarding the ongoing lack of interest in the silo, which has been a subject of discussion for many years. In a recent meeting with María Nieves Febles, the Dean of the Official College of Architects, along with other architects, the current state of the silo was thoroughly reviewed. Participants engaged in a constructive dialogue about the potential for preserving the structure, sharing their insights and visions for its future. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to explore viable options for the silo.

Adapting to Evolving Logistics and Needs

Suárez pointed out that the silo, which was constructed over 60 years ago, is no longer fit for its original purpose of grain storage. This shift is largely due to significant changes in logistics and grain importation methods that have occurred over the decades. Despite the Port Authority’s efforts to engage grain importers in discussions about potential repurposing, the evolving landscape of grain logistics has rendered traditional silos increasingly obsolete. The president emphasized that grain transportation and storage practices in the Canary Islands have transformed, necessitating a reevaluation of the silo’s role within the port.

Space Limitations and Strategic Future Plans

Given the silo’s location on port land, Suárez highlighted the urgent need for additional space within the port facilities. The possibility of demolishing the silo has been seriously considered as a means to reclaim usable land, particularly since the area is surrounded by various industrial operations, including fuel depots and a cement crushing plant. He noted that the building has largely been neglected until now, despite the pressing demand for space in the port. The potential demolition of the silo raises questions about the future of the site and the opportunities that could arise from its redevelopment.

In a bid to avert the silo’s demolition, Suárez has called upon architects and other professionals to assist in identifying a suitable concessionaire within a six-month timeframe. He emphasized that if a concessionaire can be found, alternative uses for the building could be explored, potentially transforming it into a valuable asset for the port. However, he is also bound by legal obligations to ensure that public port spaces are utilized to their maximum potential, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation.

A Call to Action for Interested Parties

Despite the challenges, Suárez remains optimistic that public or private entities interested in repurposing the silo will step forward. He stressed the importance of taking proactive measures rather than allowing the structure to deteriorate further. The current condition and strategic location of the silo present both challenges and opportunities, but Suárez believes that finding a concessionaire is achievable. He reiterated that the port cannot afford to let the building remain unused, particularly given the estimated costs of demolition, which stand at €1.5 million. This financial burden underscores the urgency of finding a solution that benefits both the port and the community.

Key points

• Pedro Suárez, President of the Port Authority, has faced ongoing challenges in generating interest for the silo.
• The silo, built over 60 years ago, is no longer suitable for grain storage due to evolving logistics.
• The Port Authority is contemplating demolition to reclaim valuable space for port operations.
• A six-month deadline has been established to secure a concessionaire and prevent the silo’s demolition.
• Suárez has appealed to architects and industry professionals to assist in identifying potential parties interested in repurposing the building.
• The estimated cost for demolishing the silo is €1.5 million, highlighting the financial implications of inaction.