La Laguna to Enforce Demolition of Illegal Coastal Facilities in Punta del Hidalgo

The restoration of the coastline in Punta del Hidalgo, La Laguna, has entered its final stage following a meeting between the Spanish government, the Canary Islands government, and the local city council. Officials have established a clear plan: if the Charco de la Arena Society does not voluntarily demolish the facilities it has occupied since the 1960s, the state will step in to carry out the demolition itself.

This project aims to return the area to public use, following a final ruling by the National High Court. The court’s decision mandates that the company must stop all operations—which include a restaurant and private access to a natural pool—and cover the full costs of the demolition and environmental cleanup.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition has ruled out any new agreements to avoid further delays. The government’s stance is firm: it intends to set a precedent for other expired coastal concessions across Spain, prioritizing public access over private interests.

During the meeting, which included La Laguna Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and Senator José Antonio Valbuena, officials agreed to submit the necessary technical plans for the area's restoration. These plans go beyond simple demolition and include restoring the Camino de San Juanito to align with local urban development goals.

Antonio Acosta, representing the Canary Islands' Directorate General for Coasts, praised the coordination between the different government bodies in resolving the issue. With the full support of the La Laguna City Council, this action marks a significant step in coastal protection, ensuring that public natural spaces are no longer restricted by outdated or illegal private concessions.