Historic Santa Cruz Restaurant Closes Amid Dispute Over Delayed Construction Project

The China restaurant, a historic landmark on Avenida de Anaga in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has announced a 30-day temporary closure. The owners say the decision was forced by ongoing renovation work that began in July 2025, which has severely impacted their business.

Owner Javier Lu Sin says the situation threatens the livelihoods of ten families. He claims the City Council has ignored four formal complaints, leading him to consider a legal claim for damages. Under Spanish law, businesses can seek compensation from public authorities if the management of construction projects causes them direct financial harm.

Javier Rivero, the councilor for Public Works, denies that the restaurant’s access has been blocked, though he admitted the construction schedule will be adjusted. The project, which aims to turn the avenue into a pedestrian-friendly space, is already six months behind schedule and has exceeded its budget by one million euros. The City Council blames these delays on unexpected structural issues, including foundation problems, an underground pipeline connected to the local refinery, and aging electrical infrastructure.

While the City Council has promised to prioritize paving work directly in front of the restaurant to help, local business owners are worried. The outcome of this dispute will be a key test of how the local government handles the economic impact of its urban modernization plans on long-standing businesses.