Puerto de la Cruz Begins €5.3 Million Restoration of Historic Chimisay Cinema
Puerto de la Cruz has awarded a 5.3-million-euro contract to renovate the historic Chimisay cinema, aiming to transform the long-closed landmark into a modern cultural hub for Tenerife.
The restoration of the historic Chimisay cinema in Puerto de la Cruz marks a major milestone for urban heritage in the Canary Islands. The City Council has awarded a 5.3-million-euro contract to the construction firm Capross to fully renovate the building, which has been closed since 2008. Once a cultural hub that famously hosted the Ecological Film Festival, the site is finally set to be brought back to life.
The renovation plan features a complete interior redesign. A new triple-height lobby will serve as the building’s centerpiece, complete with a panoramic elevator and a central staircase. This design is intended to improve movement throughout the building and bring natural light into the lower levels, which will house a flexible multipurpose space for exhibitions, conferences, and rehearsals.
To address the building’s original technical limitations, the main hall will be upgraded to seat 450 people. It will be equipped with a professional stage, motorized systems, and technical catwalks. The design also improves logistics with a three-level freight elevator and separate entrances for performers and crew. The amphitheater will also be remodeled to meet modern theatrical standards.
The project is divided into clear phases. The construction company has committed to completing the initial planning and design verification within three months. Once finalized, the physical construction is expected to take 24 months, with an additional month set aside for final preparations before the building reopens to the public.
This investment is part of the local government’s effort to expand the city’s cultural offerings and provide a venue capable of hosting large-scale productions. By restoring this iconic 1972 building, the council aims to revitalize the city center and help the Chimisay regain its status as a key social and artistic landmark for Tenerife after fifteen years of inactivity.