Tenerife’s Villa de Arico Square Renovation Resumes After Years of Stagnation

The renovation of the Villa de Arico square, long seen as a symbol of bureaucratic stagnation in Tenerife, is finally moving forward after nearly a decade of uncertainty. The local government has decided to restart the stalled project—which has been at a standstill since May 2019—by breaking it into smaller phases. The immediate priority is to reopen the public square, while the completion of underground facilities, such as the library and exhibition halls, will be deferred to a later date.

This progress follows the formal resolution of the contract with the original construction company. Last year, the City Council approved a budget of over 150,000 euros to settle outstanding payments with the firm, a necessary step to clear the way for new work. The project, spanning 6,396 square meters, is the municipality’s largest investment this century. While the initial tender exceeded 2.8 million euros, the final contract was awarded for approximately 1.9 million.

Since the project was revived in 2015, it has been plagued by financial and technical hurdles. Just a year into construction, the builder requested design changes to meet updated regulations, triggering the first of many delays. Although the project is estimated to be 75% complete, disagreements over work certifications and legal disputes have prevented its finish.

The situation has become a major source of political tension. While the current administration is working to resolve the issue—following failed attempts in 2021 and 2022—the opposition is calling for a full audit of the investment. The matter has even reached the Prosecutor’s Office, highlighting the complexity of a project that has deprived Arico residents of their primary social and historical meeting point. For the local community, finishing the square is more than just an urban planning task; it is a vital step toward restoring the heart of their historic center.