The Government Board of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has approved the project to improve the streets surrounding the Market of Our Lady of Africa, with an investment of 3,132,468 euros and an execution period of 18 months.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has given the green light to the project that will transform the area around the Market of Our Lady of Africa, popularly known as La Recova. The work, which will be carried out in two phases of nine months each, has a budget of 3,132,468.02 euros. The aim is to create a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly space, revitalising one of the most iconic commercial areas of the Tenerife capital.
Two phases to transform the commercial heart of Santa Cruz
Phase 1 will focus on the immediate surroundings of La Recova, covering the streets Darias and Padrón, Bethencourt and Molina, as well as the access ramp and terrace areas. The maintenance of logistical access for goods and accessibility to homes will be prioritised. Work is expected to begin in the coming months, once the contracts are awarded.
Phase 2 will take place along the Rambla and its connections, specifically on José Manuel Guimerá street. It will include the central rambla, the side roads, and the parking and kiosk areas. The first deputy mayor and councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, has indicated that the start of this second phase will overlap with the completion of the first to make the most of the availability of demolition teams.
A pedestrian square and accessible ramps
The project includes a design with a single platform, without curbs or unevenness, to prioritise pedestrians. At the back of La Recova, the existing staircase will be removed and replaced with a large accessible and landscaped ramp. The space freed up by vehicles at the intersection of Darias and Padrón with Bethencourt and Molina will be transformed into a large pedestrian square, designed to host sociocultural events with a large audience capacity.
Additionally, four groups of anti-terrorism bollards will be installed at the entrances to the pedestrian areas, ensuring safety. The mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, has assured that “we are taking a fundamental step towards the modernisation and revitalisation of one of the most emblematic and active areas of Santa Cruz.” Bermúdez added that “we are working to create a much more attractive and accessible environment that invites walking and consumption.”
How it will affect residents and merchants
During the works, residents and merchants in the area will need to adapt to traffic cuts and changes in mobility. The City Council has assured that logistical access for goods and accessibility to homes will be maintained, although it is recommended to stay alert to the diversions that will be established. Merchants from La Recova and its surroundings are hopeful that the pedestrianisation will increase customer flow, although they fear the inconveniences during the 18 months of execution.
The project also includes the renewal of installations: trenches, pipes, ducts, and manholes will be distributed, as well as new public lighting circuits with poles and luminaires. Medium voltage power lines are excluded, except for those intended to supply two outdoor electrical panels planned for temporary events.
A before and after for La Recova
La Recova, inaugurated in 1944, is a market that has witnessed the commercial evolution of Santa Cruz. With this intervention, the City Council aims to revitalise an area that, despite its central location, has lost pedestrian appeal in recent years. The pedestrianisation of the street behind the market aims to create a continuous route connecting the Rambla with the heart of the historic centre.
Carlos Tarife has highlighted that “consideration has been given to ensuring good visibility in all routes and areas of stay to provide a sense of safety and comfort.” The idea is for the new space to invite walking and consumption, consolidating the market as the commercial and social heart of Santa Cruz.
The works, which will be carried out in two phases, will begin once the contracts are awarded. The first phase is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027, and the second by early 2028. In the meantime, residents and merchants will need to be patient, but with the promise of a renewed environment that, according to the mayor, will be “much more attractive and accessible.”
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