The comprehensive rehabilitation works of Plaza de Las Palmas, located next to the church of San Ginés, concluded this week according to the schedule set from the start of the project, which began last spring.
The mayor of Arrecife and directly responsible for the Public Works Department, Yonathan de León, reported through his social media that, as of Friday, November 28, the work has been officially received by the Insular Department of Public Works, headed by councilor Jacobo Medina, the Cabildo area responsible for its execution and supervision. Both visited the venue at night to check the final finish and the new lighting, inspired by César Manrique's original design for this space, named in memory of the creation of the province of Las Palmas after the administrative division of the Canary Islands at the beginning of the 10th century.
A renewed space with historical memory
The square houses one of Arrecife's historic cisterns in its subsoil, now restored with the intervention. Water transported from the port of La Luz and Las Palmas aboard the famous "correíllos" was stored here, before being unloaded at the city's old commercial pier.
One of the most notable elements of the project has been the conservation of the large casuarina tree in the square, which ultimately did not have to be removed as it was confirmed that its presence did not interfere with the works. The two large existing ficus trees have also been maintained; after a comprehensive pruning, they remain in the flowerbeds designed by Manrique in the 1950s, now equipped with a modern drip irrigation system.
The deteriorated concrete pavement has been replaced with stone, respecting the original grid of the Lanzaroteño artist. The central monolith has also been preserved, and the tall Canary Island palm trees that characterize this enclave have been enhanced. The central cistern has been restored and incorporates glass skylights at pavement level, with interior lighting
Urban improvements in the surroundings
Otilia Díaz street, in its section adjacent to the square and the church, has been pedestrianized and will have exclusive vehicular access for residents. Two flowerbeds with benches and planters have been installed in this space, and a jacaranda tree has been planted to provide shade to the area.
The plaza's lighting has been completely renovated with new Manriqueño-style lampposts, channeled from a lighting room located next to La Recova. The space also incorporates wooden and wrought iron benches, as well as cast iron trash cans.
A global plan to revitalize the historic center
Mayor Yonathan de León highlighted that the recovery of Plaza de Las Palmas "responds to a historical demand from the citizenry" and is part of a broader plan to revitalize the historic center of Arrecife. This includes the reopening of La Recova as a market—whose project has already been approved—and the upcoming tenders for the restoration of the Puente de las Bolas and José Ramírez Cerdá Park, currently awaiting authorization from the Coastal AuthorityFor his part, councilor Jacobo Medina emphasized that the action “was necessary and highly requested,” and that its conclusion allows for offering “a more accessible, pleasant, and renewed space, without risks for passers-by,” respecting its historical and symbolic value alongside the church of San Ginés and the imprint of César Manrique, the favorite son of Arrecife and Lanzarote.
The awarded company will remove the perimeter fencing that protected the work during its execution in the coming days. The project has been financed by the Planning and Projects Area of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, managed by the vice-president and minister of Finance and Contracting, María Jesús Tovar, through European Next Generation funds.