The Cabildo de Tenerife has announced an investment of €1.8 million to restore the Baudet Theatre and Cinema, a cultural landmark located on Avenida Islas Canarias in Santa Cruz. Although the theatre closed its doors in the 1980s, it continues to hold deep sentimental value for residents and will now undergo extensive renovations to preserve and revitalise the historic site.
Owned by the Cabildo since 1999, the Baudet Theatre will see essential work carried out on its main hall roof, alongside structural reinforcements. The renovation project includes the strengthening of concrete pillars, repair of metal profiles in the roof, waterproofing, and the replacement of asbestos roofing in the seating area.
The works are scheduled to take twelve months to complete and mark the first phase in transforming the former cinema into a multipurpose cultural venue.
José Carlos Acha, the Tenerife Cabildo’s Minister for Culture and Museums, highlighted the importance of the project, describing the Baudet Theatre as a significant part of the island’s cultural heritage.
Designed by prominent architect José Enrique Marrero Regalado, the theatre opened on 25th May 1944 and was celebrated for its architectural innovation. Its amphitheatre was constructed using riveted beams, similar to those used in the Eiffel Tower, symbolising the grand cinematic style of the era.
In addition to the theatre renovation, the Cabildo has introduced several other initiatives aimed at cultural development, employment, and community support. As part of the “Tenerife Advances with New Employment Opportunities 2025–2026” project, €4.1 million has been allocated to offer young people practical work experience through training contracts within various council departments. This scheme, co-financed by the Canarian Employment Service and the European Social Fund Plus, will provide contracts ranging from six to twelve months.
The Cabildo has also allocated nearly €800,000 for the management and supervision of five road rehabilitation projects across the island, alongside €674,000 in grants for non-profit organisations to support cultural activities planned for 2025.
A further €130,000 has been earmarked as a grant available to all municipalities on the island to promote social action programmes. These are designed to involve children and teenagers in community activities, reinforcing their commitment to encouraging civic engagement among young people and strengthening local governance.
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment by the Tenerife Cabildo to preserve the island’s heritage, support its cultural and social fabric, and invest in opportunities for the next generation.
