The association For the Rehabilitation of the Viera y Clavijo cultural park in the capital of Tenerife has raised concerns regarding the situation affecting the Pérez Minik Theatre, located within this iconic urban space, which has been designated a Heritage Asset (Bien de Interés Cultural – BIC).
The Pérez Minik Theatre has been closed since 2023 due to works being carried out by the city council for the rehabilitation of this complex. It is expected to reopen to the public in 2026, following the completion of the first phase of the renovations. However, the authority has announced plans to demolish the Pérez Minik Theatre during a second phase, to construct a new auditorium in its place.
In this regard, the president of the association advocating for the Viera y Clavijo, Ana Mendoza, stated yesterday to DIARIO DE AVISOS that “the City Council and the Cabildo have reached an agreement for an urban modification of the site, which includes the demolition of the theatre without a formal declaration of ruin or disaffection, to facilitate its reconstruction beneath a large plaza.”
In her opinion, “this action could constitute a crime of heritage expropriation by the public administration, as defined in Article 323 of the Penal Code, since a demolition without the necessary legal procedures not only violates existing regulations, but also severely jeopardises the cultural heritage of the city.”
In Defence of the Pérez Minik Theatre
Mendoza further emphasised that “concerns escalate when recalling the events of 2015, when Seprona and the Prosecutor’s Office intervened, issuing technical reports that prevented any actions that could jeopardise the BIC.” Additionally, the association argued that “the Technical Direction of Architecture and Historical Heritage of the Urban Planning Management initially published an unfavourable report regarding the proposed demolition, which was later revised.”
This civic entity, founded in 2011 and representing residents committed to preserving the city’s heritage, has formally submitted objections to the relevant authorities, demanding “transparency, legality, and respect” for the historical values represented by the Viera y Clavijo.
Mendoza reminded Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez that “he previously invited the association of former students from Las Asuncionistas to review the plans for the works to be undertaken at the Viera y Clavijo, to discuss and exchange views with that group. However, our association, which represents the citizens of the municipality, has never been consulted or informed.”
It is noteworthy that the first CaixaForum centre in the Canary Islands will be located at the Pérez Minik Theatre, scheduled to open to the public in 2027 after the completion of the rehabilitation works. This agreement was announced last May after the La Caixa Foundation was selected in the Sector Consultation convened by the council to manage the space and revitalise it.
The CaixaForum centre will provide programmes in culture and arts, science and technology, and education, with an annual investment of two million euros.
