Santa Cruz de Tenerife parking municipalisation delayed past deadline

The municipal council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has missed the July 1 deadline to transfer the Plaza de España underground car park from private operator Interparking to the public agency Viviendas Municipales. Residents and the Urban Centre Residents’ Association, which previously opposed a bike lane and low‑emission zone, described the setback as “a new episode of Groundhog Day” and criticized the lack of transparency.

Council housing councillor Belén Mesa said the hand‑over has been postponed for two months while “administrative procedures” are completed, including changes to barrier‑control software, banking data, and the migration of subscriber accounts. A 3‑D survey of the 30‑year‑old structure is underway, with a planned €1.5 million rehabilitation budget and €225 000 for a new elevator. The council hopes the new public management will eventually lower parking fees for residents.