The La Laguna Council have begun the tender process to demolish the historic Hotel Neptuno complex in Bajamar, built in 1959. The project involves taking down the hotel, which has almost 100 rooms, as well as its restaurant and 15 detached bungalows.
The demolition is set to cost up to €736,000 and will take around six months to complete. Bids for the project are open until 3rd April 2025, with work expected to start by the end of June. The demolition aims to eliminate the safety hazards posed by the hotel, which has been abandoned since 2007 and officially declared derelict.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez is pleased with the decision, stating that this action resolves long-standing issues in the region. "By demolishing the hotel, we are addressing serious health and safety concerns for local residents," he said, noting the symbolic importance of correcting past uncontrolled tourism and urban development.
Adolfo Cordobés, Councillor for Land Use Planning, explained that all costs will be billed to the property's owners. If the bidding process goes smoothly, demolition could begin by early summer.
This project has involved a complex administrative process due to the building's size, ownership changes, and legal challenges. The hotel's derelict status was confirmed in May 2019, requiring the owner to choose between demolition and renovation. Despite a change in ownership later that year, renovation plans never materialised.
In August 2023, following the owners' inaction, the Urban Planning Department ordered the demolition. Costs for drafting and executing the project were approved, with expenses charged to the owning company.
Awarded to the Inascan Group, the project involves demolishing a 6,975 square metre area, including a six-story hotel, a central restaurant, the pool, and 15 bungalows. It will adhere to safety regulations, ensure proper waste management, and protect natural elements.
