The resolution concerning the future of the controversial monument in Santa Cruz de Tenerife appears to be nearing a definitive conclusion. A representative from the City Council has affirmed that the municipal corporation will respect the technical ruling issued by specialists regarding the heritage value of the artwork, located at the intersection of Rambla de Santa Cruz and Avenida de Anaga.
This stance follows a setback for those advocating for the monument's retention, as the technical panel for architectural heritage of the Government of the Canary Islands has rejected its declaration as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). This decision weakens the sculpture's protection and opens the door to its potential removal.
“"The technicians and experts are the ones who must tell us if it has elements to protect and what they are."
The councilor emphasized the need to “separate politics from a purely technical matter” and indicated that the council will await the final conclusions of the dossier initiated by the Island Council of Tenerife to act accordingly. The primary objective is to close a debate that has dragged on for too long.
The municipal position is based on the principle of legality. If the final reports confirm the existence of heritage values, the City Council would be obliged to undertake a renovation project for the fountain, adhering to those technical criteria. Otherwise, if it is determined that the work lacks such value, its removal will proceed.
Although the administrative process is complex, all indications suggest that the sculpture will not be protected. The technical panel of the Government of the Canary Islands has already ruled on its lack of heritage value, and the Canary Islands Heritage Council, a superior body, has historically not contradicted these reports. Once the Government makes its pronouncement, the Island Council of Tenerife will issue a final resolution, which the City Council expects to align with the previous findings.
For the municipal government, resolving this issue is a priority. A councilor acknowledged that diverse opinions exist but insisted that complying with the law and accepting the technicians' verdict is fundamental. If the removal ultimately proceeds, the City Council is already considering reordering the surrounding area to transform it into a more attractive and accessible space for citizens.
The experts' decision also rules out intermediate solutions, such as the re-signification of the monument. Furthermore, the Urban Planning Department is processing a new catalog for the protection of buildings and architectural elements that does not include this sculpture, reinforcing the idea that its future does not involve conservation.
