Santa Cruz Business Owners Clash With Developer Over Prolonged Rambla de Pulido Renovation

A long-running renovation project on Rambla de Pulido in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sparked a heated dispute between local business owners and the developer. According to Diario de Avisos, the construction work at numbers 26 and 28 has caused significant financial and logistical strain on the surrounding commercial area.

The project, which aims to create 36 residential units, began in early 2024. However, delays have left neighboring shops in a difficult position. Business owners report that construction fencing, piles of waste, and heavy machinery blocking the sidewalk have forced pedestrians into the street, drastically reducing foot traffic.

The project’s complexity stems from the buildings' heritage status, which requires the original facades to be preserved. Zaida González, the Councilor for Urban Planning, explained that these preservation requirements are the primary cause of the delays. The City Council maintains that the developer has all necessary permits and notes that, because this is a private civil matter, the local government’s ability to intervene is limited. Officials remain hopeful that the completed project will eventually help revitalize the area.

For local merchants, however, the daily reality is becoming unsustainable. Beyond the noise and dust—which they say has damaged their merchandise—shop owners report a sharp drop in income. They argue that this project is pushing an already struggling sector to the brink, especially as they face ongoing challenges like limited parking and competition from online retailers. Feeling ignored by both the developer and the Urban Planning Department, the business owners warn that the current situation threatens the survival of their traditional shops.