Unidas se puede calls for investment in the Francisco Peraza Municipal Stadium
Unidas se puede will present a motion at La Laguna Town Hall this Thursday calling for the modernisation of the Francisco Peraza Municipal Stadium, known as La Manzanilla.
The proposal would revive technical plans from the previous administration and establish a financial roadmap to begin priority improvements from 2027.
The motion comes as the PSOE-CC government promotes several much larger sports infrastructure projects, including a 10,000-capacity multifunctional arena in Las Mantecas and the offer of 40,000 square metres of municipal land for a possible new stadium for CD Tenerife.
Saúl Alberola, a councillor for Unidas se puede, argues that existing facilities should not be overlooked while major projects remain at the planning stage.
“While grand infrastructures are announced that remain on paper, we have historic municipal facilities that urgently require investment and concrete projects. Before discussing new developments, we must maintain and upgrade what we already have, which hundreds of athletes use daily.”
What needs improving?
The proposal would revisit the existing plans for La Manzanilla and update them according to current needs, with input from the clubs and athletes who use the facility.
One of the main priorities is the long-awaited covered athletics module.
Other proposed improvements include:
- Better accessibility
- Upgraded seating
- Improved changing rooms
- New lighting
- Drainage improvements
- Upgraded training areas
- Better facilities for clubs
- Greater energy efficiency
- Improved maintenance
For Alberola, supporting sport in La Laguna means making sure the city’s grassroots and long-established clubs have facilities that are fit for purpose.
Funding and a phased approach
Unidas se puede is also calling for funding to be included in the 2027 municipal budget, with the work carried out in phases.
The party proposes looking for additional funding from the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands to help finance the improvements.
“Being regarded as a city that supports sports requires ensuring adequate facilities for grassroots and long-standing clubs,” Alberola said.
The message from Unidas se puede is fairly straightforward. La Manzanilla does not need another announcement. It needs a budget, a timeline and actual construction.