Architects Given Six Months to Save Historic Port Silo from Demolition
The College of Architects has six months to find a new purpose for the historic port silo building on San Andrés highway, or it faces demolition.
The old port silo building on San Andrés highway might be saved. The College of Architects of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro (COA) has six months to find someone willing to take over the building and give it a new purpose, which would stop it from being demolished.
Pedro Suárez, the President of the Port Authority, said yesterday that they've given the College of Architects a reasonable amount of time to find an alternative use for the silo. If they can't find a solution, the process to tender for its demolition, which is estimated to cost 1.5 million euros, will go ahead.
Suárez made these comments after meeting with María Nieves Febles, the Dean of the COA. The COA wants to preserve the silo, a structure that is unique in the world. It was built in 1965 to store grain, helping to address food shortages in Europe after World War I.
The Port President explained to the COA the efforts made to find new uses for the silo. They contacted companies in the food industry, but none were interested in restoring its original function. They also explored other uses beyond just storing grain.
Suárez mentioned that this isn't the first attempt to save the silo. The Port Authority tried a decade ago but was unsuccessful. The building's structure is also in very poor condition after more than 30 years of being unused, which is why demolition is now being considered.
The COA, which believes the building has significant architectural value and could be used for various purposes, requested this opportunity. Suárez reminded them that port authorities are legally required to make public port areas profitable by using the facilities through authorizations, concessions, and fees.
Meanwhile, María Nieves Febles, Dean of the COA, stated that there is now a chance to save the old silo. She said they will form a special committee to find investors interested in transforming the building's interior for new uses, such as gyms, markets, restaurants, or offices. Initially, the concession would be free, with future costs depending on the project's success.