Alejandro Marichal: "This project is more than just a project; it's a response to a need for many families, and we couldn't allow this to continue to stand still. It's a matter of commitment, management, and clear priorities."
Lucía Jiménez: "This development hasn't had any major improvements in decades. We're talking about structural improvements, accessibility, energy efficiency, and common spaces."
The renovation of the 25 blocks containing 300 homes in the "Las Llaves" residential development will soon be a reality. The Housing Department of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council will update the project prices to adapt them to current market prices, allowing for the definitive start of the comprehensive improvement works on the buildings and common areas of Phases I and II. To this end, it will submit to the Plenary Session the approval of two addenda that modify the financing agreements signed in previous years, thus guaranteeing the viability of a project long awaited by residents. These modifications allow the financial commitments of the involved administrations to be adjusted to the general rise in the price of materials and services, ensuring that the works can be carried out without further delays.
The ARRU "Las Llaves" (The Keys) is one of the most significant housing projects in the municipality, as it involves the comprehensive renovation of 300 homes in two phases. The actual investment amounts to €5.546.555,52 for the construction work, €67.745,89 for construction management services and health and safety coordination, and €120.219.08 for the construction and facilities management, which will be carried out through Gesvisur. The total investment will be €5.734.520,49.
Alejandro Marichal, First Deputy Mayor (CC), emphasized that "this project goes far beyond a construction project; it's a response to a real need for many families in the municipality. For this reason, we have decided to increase the municipal contribution, because we couldn't allow this to remain at a standstill. It's a question of commitment, management, and clear priorities."
In Phase I, the renovation of 84 homes is planned. An investment of €1,3 million was initially estimated, but the actual costs are higher due to project pricing updates, which has led to a financial reorganization without altering the program's technical objectives. For this reason, the multi-year municipal expenditure for 2026-2027, totaling €755,712.75, is being proposed to the plenary session for the development of Phase I.
Phase II, meanwhile, includes the improvement of another 216 homes. The project was reformulated in December 2023 through an addendum that updated its cost from €3,38 million to €3,96 million. Although the Ministry and the Autonomous Community maintain their contributions, it has been the Department of Housing that has assumed the largest additional effort. Thus, following plenary approval, the multi-year municipal expenditure for 2026-2027 will amount to €781.592,77. This effort by the department headed by Lucía Jiménez (CC) has been key to unlocking the execution of the project, which could begin (following its tendering and award) in the first quarter of 2026.
Lucía Jiménez, Councilor for Housing, highlights the direct impact this project will have on the daily lives of hundreds of families. “This development hasn't had a major intervention in decades. We're talking about structural improvements, accessibility, energy efficiency, and common spaces. For the residents, this isn't just any project: it's the possibility of living in a safer, more comfortable home with better conditions,” said the councilor, who also praised the institutional collaboration that has made the project's continuation possible.
The planned works include the renovation of facades, roofs, electrical and plumbing installations, the installation of elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility, and the redevelopment of the surrounding public spaces. This combination of projects allows for a comprehensive regeneration of the residential environment, improving not only the homes but also the daily lives of those who live there.
The project is being implemented through bilateral agreements signed between the Ministry of Public Works (currently the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda), the Autonomous Community, the Gran Canaria Island Council, the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, and contributions from the residents themselves. The addendums now being submitted to the Plenary Session update these conditions to adapt them to the current economic reality, without altering the overall program planning.
From the municipal government, Alejandro Marichal is committed to promoting, rescuing, and implementing the project with seriousness, investment, and social commitment. "Housing must be understood as a right and a priority. We have committed to this model because we want San Bartolomé de Tirajana to be a place to live," Marichal concluded.