A major change is coming to the former military site at El Cristo in La Laguna, with the Cabildo de Tenerife planning to demolish the historic artillery barracks and prepare the land for a new socio-health complex for older residents.
The demolition project, valued at more than €2.1 million, will clear over 8,300 square metres of the site, which covers around 18,500 square metres in total.
The plans have now been published in the Official Bulletin of the Province and will remain open to public scrutiny for 20 days. This gives interested parties an opportunity to submit objections before the project moves towards final approval.
From military barracks to elderly care
The site sits next to the Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna and has had a military presence for more than 170 years.
The former artillery barracks housed military units until they finally closed in 2013. The complex includes administrative buildings, accommodation, workshops and sports facilities.
Its future, however, is very different.
The Cabildo acquired the property from the Ministry of Defence in December 2024 for more than €8 million, following around two decades of administrative delays.
More than 13,000 square metres have subsequently been allocated to the Insular Institute of Social and Sociosanitary Care (IASS) for the development of services aimed at Tenerife’s ageing population.
A growing need for care
The project comes as demand for elderly care continues to increase across the island.
Around 46% of Tenerife’s population aged over 65 lives in the metropolitan area, representing approximately 75,000 people.
La Laguna currently has 11 care homes, while there are 68 facilities across the island.
The proposed complex is intended to offer several different levels of support rather than simply another traditional care home.
Plans include accommodation for people who remain relatively independent, specialist care facilities and a day care centre for older residents who want to continue living in their own homes.
That mix could prove particularly useful as the population ages and the demand for different types of support increases.
Demolishing a 170-year-old site won’t be straightforward
The location presents some obvious challenges.
The former barracks are surrounded by busy roads and areas with significant pedestrian traffic. Some neighbouring buildings date back to 1890, although they are currently considered to be in reasonable condition.
As a result, the demolition will require strict safety measures to protect both workers and the public.
There is another complication too.
Asbestos has been identified in one of the buildings, creating additional health and safety risks if the material is disturbed.
A specific Asbestos Removal Plan forms part of the project, with the affected structure scheduled for complete demolition.
Six months to clear the site
The demolition is expected to take around six months.
Work will progress from the roof down towards the ground floor, using a combination of manual labour and heavy machinery.
Before demolition begins, utilities will be disconnected and hazardous materials removed. Elements that can be recovered will also be dismantled before the main structures are brought down.
Fencing, scaffolding and other protective measures will be installed around the site to minimise risks to people using the surrounding streets.
Once the buildings have been removed, other structures and coverings will be cleared progressively.
The first step towards something very different
The demolition is only the beginning.
The wider plans are also linked to the proposed expansion of Camino Cañaveral, which will take around 12 metres from the existing plot.
Eventually, the former military site will be transformed into a substantial socio-health complex designed to meet the needs of La Laguna’s older population.
After more than 170 years serving a very different purpose, the old barracks are about to enter their final chapter.
The next one will be considerably less military and considerably more focused on looking after people.