The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has initiated a comprehensive study to evaluate the extent of damage caused by termites to the wooden structure of the historic Guimerá Theater. Interventions in the older part of the building have been paused while this analysis is completed.
Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Infrastructure, indicated that the council estimates a period of two to three months to conduct the necessary investigations. The goal is to identify the affected areas and the severity of the infestation to plan future actions.
The assessment will cover both the roof and the boxes of the theater, which is the oldest in the Canary Islands. Given that a significant portion of its original structure is made of wood, it is crucial to understand its current condition before proceeding with repairs.
To facilitate direct access to the structure, the air conditioning machinery, false ceiling, and other elements have already been removed. The aim is to obtain a 'complete X-ray' of the building to precisely locate and quantify the damage.
Rivero mentioned that the solutions might involve a combination of treatments, such as applying protective products to the wood, reinforcing specific points, or replacing some components. The final decision will depend on the study's findings.
Meanwhile, work continues in the more modern section of the theater, built in the 1980s, focusing on the structure of the elevators, dressing rooms, and bathrooms.
The study results are expected by November. Following this, the necessary actions will be determined, and a project modification will be processed, which will postpone the full resumption of works in the old, original part of the Guimerá Theater until the end of the year.
