Santa Cruz to Launch €1.6M Digital Hub for Creative Industries

Santa Cruz plans to become a leading hub for startups and companies in digital animation, video games, virtual reality, and interactive media. To achieve this, the city will transform the disused and vandalized Diego Crosa municipal building in Barranco de Santos. This new space will create opportunities, encourage local talent, foster innovation, and generate jobs.

The "Digital Hub" project, which DIARIO DE AVISOS reported on in 2024, is moving closer to reality. This is thanks to a 1.45 million euro grant from the Government of the Canary Islands. This funding means construction work can be put out for bids this year, with the goal of opening the hub in 24 months. It aims to become a key center for the metaverse.

Regional Vice-President Manuel Domínguez, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez, and Councillor for Strategic Planning Carlos Tarife announced the initiative yesterday. They called it a "milestone," explaining it would help Santa Cruz become a central point for attracting, developing, and speeding up digital and creative businesses. The three-story building, covering 1,750 square meters, will include workspaces, tech labs, studios, and advanced equipment. The total cost of the project will be 1.6 million euros.

Domínguez emphasized that "the Digital Hub is a strategic move to diversify our economy through the creative industry. It's set to become the main home for this sector in Santa Cruz."

Bermúdez added that "the project will genuinely benefit residents by attracting talent to Santa Cruz, which already has 16 specialized companies." Tarife further explained that "the Digital Hub answers a need from the industry, which has been asking for specialized facilities and training. Once it's operational, its management will be handled by the Development Society."