Planning behind Closed Doors: Unlocking Large-Scale Urban Development Projects Using the Stakeholder Approach on Tenerife, Spain

Santa Cruz Verde 2030 is an inner-city megaproject that will transform the local oil refinery into urban neighborhood in de Tenerife, Spain. The project expected to reconfigure Cruz’s tourism model significantly, while applying rather undemocratic planning practices. This paper explores 2030, focusing on perception of stakeholders. My research builds 18 qualitative interviews with authorities, city’s mayor, political parties, experts from real estate sector and residents. I identify a large gap among interviewees. While project’s initiators praise participatory process, other stakeholders feel neither informed nor integrated. In particular, “behind closed doors” approach has provoked resentment citizens. contrast, possible impact given rise less discussion. contributes “stealthy” touristification strategy already transformed areas waterfront past decades. Hence, this adds ongoing discussion how design megaprojects more sustainable way, for example, by ensuring consensus learning former megaprojects.