Termite Infestation Halts Renovation of Historic Guimerá Theatre

The 8.1 million euro renovation of the Guimerá Theatre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has hit a major technical hurdle. Funded by the City Council, the Island Council, and the regional government, the project has been partially paused after workers discovered a termite infestation in the building’s oldest sections.

The pests were found during the initial dismantling phase that began in November 2025. The damage is more extensive than experts originally anticipated, affecting critical structural elements including the roof supports, box beams, corbels, and the false ceiling. Technicians are now conducting a thorough assessment to determine which parts of the historic structure can be saved and which must be replaced to ensure safety.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez stated that the priority is to protect the theatre’s heritage. Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Works and Infrastructure, clarified that the work stoppage only affects the historic façade and the main hall, where the condition of the wood makes it unsafe to continue. Construction on newer areas of the building—including the stage, dressing rooms, elevators, and basement—is continuing as planned.

Finding hidden structural damage is common when renovating historic buildings, as issues often only appear once walls are opened. Under heritage regulations, the city must work closely with preservation authorities to ensure any repairs remain faithful to the building’s original design. Work in the affected areas will remain suspended until technical tests are completed, which will determine the next steps for finishing the restoration of this landmark cultural venue.