Pest Infestation Halts Guimerá Theatre Renovation; City Addresses Police Staffing Shortages
Renovations at Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Guimerá Theatre have been delayed and over budget due to a wood-boring pest infestation, while the city simultaneously works to address ongoing staffing shortages within its Local Police force.
The renovation of the Guimerá Theatre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has hit a major hurdle after a wood-boring pest infestation was discovered in the building’s historic section. The insects have damaged structural wooden elements, including beams and boxes, forcing work in the oldest part of the theatre to stop. Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Infrastructure, confirmed that this setback will increase the original nine-million-euro budget and delay the project’s 2029 completion date.
The city must now work closely with the island’s Historical Heritage department to find a way to reinforce the structure while preserving its original features. While this plan is being developed, renovations in the 1980s-era section of the building—which include installing an elevator and updating dressing rooms—are continuing so the project does not stall completely.
Separately, the city is also addressing concerns about the Local Police force. During the same oversight committee meeting, Security Councilor Gladis de León explained that the force currently has 307 officers and 37 commanders. Although the city aims to reach 500 officers, state hiring restrictions are limiting their ability to grow. To help bridge this gap, the City Council has planned to add 82 new positions through a series of recruitment drives scheduled between 2023 and 2026.