Santa Cruz Residents Rally to Save Historic Port Silo from Demolition
Residents of Santa Cruz are actively campaigning to prevent the demolition of the port’s silo, a significant piece of industrial heritage, and to foster a public dialogue about its future.
Community Mobilization Against Demolition
In a swift response to the proposed demolition, local citizens have collected over 700 signatures within days through the platform change.org. Many advocates for preservation emphasize the silo’s importance as a part of the region’s industrial legacy, asserting, “It is industrial heritage; there is no reason for its demolition.” This grassroots movement reflects a growing concern among residents regarding the fate of the structure.
Controversy Surrounding the Silo’s Condition
The debate over the silo’s future has sparked differing opinions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. According to reports, the Port Authority intends to initiate a tender for the demolition of the silo, which is described as a “nationally unique structure,” with an estimated cost of €1.5 million. Official sources justify this decision by claiming that the building is outdated, unusable, and in a state of structural decline. However, many locals challenge this assessment, arguing that the demolition plans do not provide evidence of any structural issues that would necessitate its destruction. They question the rationale behind spending public funds on demolition when alternatives for preservation could be explored.
Implications for Public Resources
Supporters of the preservation effort argue that the discussion surrounding the silo transcends mere construction plans; it involves public land and investment, as well as structures that hold collective historical significance. They contend that the assertion regarding the silo’s non-reusability lacks credibility, pointing to numerous examples worldwide where similar silos and industrial buildings have been successfully repurposed for various uses.
Official Responses and Heritage Considerations
The Tenerife Island Council has recently weighed in on the matter through its Heritage Department, indicating that the final decision regarding the silo’s demolition rests with the Port Authority. On October 20, 2025, the Insular Directorate of Territorial Planning, Landscape, and Historical Heritage communicated with the Port Authority, requesting detailed information about the silo and an evaluation of its heritage significance under Spain’s Historical Heritage Law 16/1985.
Legal Jurisdiction and Heritage Protection
It is important to note that jurisdiction over port matters is held by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as established by legal precedents, including a Supreme Court ruling from May 15, 2016, concerning the former coal warehouses at Valleseco. This ruling affirms the Port Authority’s responsibility for safeguarding heritage values within the port area. The island council has reiterated its commitment to preserving the cultural, historical, and industrial heritage of Tenerife, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration among various administrations to protect the island’s cultural legacy.
Architectural Perspectives on the Silo
The port silo is currently included in the draft of Santa Cruz’s Cultural Heritage Protection Catalogue. Recently, María Nieves Febles, the Dean of the Official College of Architects of Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera, expressed the urgent need to protect this landmark, which is integral to the city’s maritime port landscape. She conveyed her deep concern regarding the potential demolition, highlighting that it is the only structure of its kind still standing in Spain.
Historical Context of the Silo
The significance of the silo extends beyond its physical presence. It is part of the ambitious National Network of Silos and Granaries Project initiated in 1944, aimed at ensuring the storage and distribution of grain across Spain. This network eventually included 672 silos and 277 granaries, playing a crucial role in regulating the agricultural market for decades. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife port silo, constructed in 1965, stands over 30 meters tall and has been referred to as a “forgotten cathedral” of the urban landscape, due to its imposing silhouette against the sea and its historical importance.
Key points
- Residents of Santa Cruz are campaigning against the demolition of the port’s silo.
- Over 700 signatures have been collected on change.org to support preservation efforts.
- The Port Authority plans to tender for the silo’s demolition with an estimated budget of €1.5 million.
- Local residents question the assessment of the silo’s condition and its proposed demolition.
- The Tenerife Island Council has requested an evaluation of the silo’s heritage value.
- The silo is included in the draft of Santa Cruz’s Cultural Heritage Protection Catalogue.
- The structure is part of Spain’s National Network of Silos and Granaries Project initiated in 1944.
