The Residents’ Association of Tejina, a town in La Laguna, Tenerife, hosted an open meeting on September 20, which, according to the organisers, saw a significant turnout. At this gathering, one of the community’s longstanding requests was discussed: the demolition of the priest’s residence adjoining the parish church.
This structure, 95 years old, is not classified as a cultural asset and has remained vacant for an extended period. It was constructed adjacent to the village church, which was designed and erected as a stand-alone building, without any additional structures connected to it. Consequently, the Association contends that the square should revert to its original layout, with the church standing independently and without neighbouring buildings.
However, during the ongoing restoration of the church, residents have observed that a wall of the priest’s house has been painted over, indicating that, contrary to their demands for demolition “for decades”, plans are in place for its restoration.
As a result, following the meeting on the 20th, a committee was established to spearhead various initiatives in collaboration with the neighbourhood, including cultural, social, and sports groups, as well as local self-employed individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises, to ensure that the square is configured in line with their long-standing demands.
Concerning the demolition of the parish house, the Association cautions that “decisions are being made that, as the church’s rehabilitation progresses, lean towards restoring it, contradicting the prevailing sentiment of our community.” They also highlight that “a wall, which had remained uncovered for 95 years—the age of the house—has recently been concealed.” The neighbourhood group notes that the house holds no heritage significance, as evidenced by investigations conducted by, among others, Miguel López. They further assert that these investigations “invalidate the arguments put forth by the Heritage Unit of the Island Council.”
Additionally, the building has been unoccupied for years, and at the time, the parish supported its demolition. Thus, the Association expresses, “we fail to understand why public funds are being expended on its restoration. Firstly, this disregards a broadly supported criterion in Tejina. Secondly, we have not been afforded an adequate opportunity to present our opinions. Thirdly, there exist both technical and historical rationales supporting its demolition.”
For all these reasons, the Association urges that “all actions promoting the enhancement of this historical incongruity be ceased, alongside its delisting. We also announce forthcoming mobilisations. Our ultimate objective is to ensure compliance with the law, that the interests of our community take precedence, and thus secure the square that we desire.”
