Candelaria Plaza Renovation Delayed to 2028 Amid Budget Hike and Structural Issues

The renovation of the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, a project over 20 years in the making, is facing fresh technical and financial hurdles. Although construction officially began in December 2024 and was expected to finish by late 2027, the discovery of structural weaknesses in the San Blas promenade has disrupted the original plan.

These issues, identified in July 2025, require extra foundation work near the Dominican convent to protect it from ongoing coastal erosion. This has pushed the project's budget from €15.1 million to €19 million. While work continues on other parts of the site, the necessary technical approvals have been stalled for ten months while waiting for reports from authorities, including the Directorate General for the Coast. As a result, the completion date has been pushed back to mid-2028.

This delay has caused significant concern among Candelaria residents and business owners. In response, the City Council and the Island Council have scheduled a meeting to update the public on the project’s status. Despite the setbacks, progress is still being made on paving the square and building a ramped structure that will connect Antón Guanche Street to the plaza, which is set to include a sacred art museum, a multifunctional hall, and tourist facilities.

The project has a long and complicated history dating back to June 2000. Over the decades, it has undergone numerous changes, including the removal of original plans for an underground parking garage and a waterfall. The current design, introduced in 2022, is now at a critical stage as officials work to stabilize the San Blas promenade.