Playa Blanca Town Centre Revamp Suspended After Residents Raise Concerns

Yaiza Ayuntamiento has paused the tendering process for the planned modernisation of Playa Blanca town centre after residents and business owners raised concerns about the proposals.

Mayor Óscar Noda met residents and business owners on Thursday, alongside Public Safety Councillor Beatriz Vázquez, Public Works Councillor Ángel Lago and representatives of the security forces.

The first meeting focused on public safety, with local businesses calling for more police officers in busy areas, including the Avenida de Papagayo, the Papagayo shopping centre, calle Limones and the seafront promenade.

Business representative Moisés Cordero raised the concerns, while the mayor acknowledged the shortage of police personnel and outlined plans to recruit more officers to the Yaiza Local Police force.

A Local Security Council meeting will take place next week, with the aim of improving communication between the community, public authorities and the security services.

Town centre plans put on hold

The second meeting focused on the proposed improvements to Playa Blanca town centre.

Public Works Councillor Ángel Lago and the project engineers, Maximiliano Valero and Renata Campanari, presented the plans and answered questions from those attending.

The main concerns involved the proposed locations of bus and taxi stops, as well as loading and unloading areas, which businesses said were important for deliveries and the smooth running of the town centre.

In response, Noda announced that the council would suspend the tendering process while it considers alternative proposals.

The aim is to reach an agreement that takes into account the needs of businesses, transport operators, residents and pedestrians.

The council still wants to make the commercial centre more accessible and pedestrian-friendly, with better public spaces and improved safety, while ensuring local businesses can continue to operate and deliveries can take place.

Further meetings will be held with representatives from the retail and taxi sectors to discuss possible changes.