The Lanzarote Chamber of Commerce launched this Tuesday a campaign to collect signatures so that El Almacén square is transformed into a "green lung and heart of culture in Arrecife." The petition, which is on the Change.org platform, is addressed to the Arrecife City Council, which is responsible for this space.
"The main objective of the campaign is to gather popular support to ensure that the square next to the CIC El Almacén becomes a space for recreation for the use and enjoyment of citizens," explains the Chamber in a statement. According to its president, José Torres Fuentes, "the time has come to return to the population the space now occupied by fifteen cars."
The petition coincides with the recent reopening of the CIC El Almacén. Now, the Chamber of Commerce is committed to the "reconversion of the square into a green space that contributes to oxygenating and giving a touch of color to a deteriorated area, as the Cabildo has been defending for more than a year," they point out.
In addition, the Chamber points out, "connecting the CIC El Almacén with this open-air annex would not only allow culture to be brought - literally - to the streets, but also contribute to the economic revitalization of the area."
"From parking lot to recreation area in four steps"
The campaign refers to the "enormous potential of Arrecife due to its climate, location and history" and regrets that, "despite this, the spaces where you can enjoy the city can be counted on the fingers of one hand."
This initiative is based on four specific points raised by the Chamber. On the one hand, "that trees and plants that provide a touch of color and shade are planted and maintained." On the other, that "the space is opened to different outdoor cultural activities, such as street markets, film series, concerts, etc." The third is "that the walls of the surrounding buildings be conditioned, giving rise to a sample of urban art." And finally, "that it becomes a place for intergenerational and multicultural meeting."