New CBD in North Metro Manila - Valenzuela City

Watch out Metro Manila, a new business district will be rising in the northern Metro Manila!

It's about time northern Metro Manila gets its share of new developments. For a long time much of the development of mixed-use environments in this area has been small scale. The western and southern parts of Metro Manila have taken the lion's share in growth in past couple of decades - Eastwood, Bonifacio Global City, Muntinlupa/Alabang, Pasig/Ortigas and of course, Makati.

One of the country's largest conglomerates and most prominent property developers, the Ayala Corporation has sealed the deal with the political dynasty in the north - the Gatchalians, who want to develop just a small portion of their estate...to date about 17 hectares. The market demographics for the northern Metro Manila call for more affordable housing developments and a variety of retail shops. This 17 hectares is only part of the 60+ hectare manufacturing hub of the Gatchalian family.

The Gatchalian’s Plastic City Industrial Corp. (PCIC) has sized down its operations and have leased out many of its existing real estate. This new partnership with the Ayala group will be huge draw for many who desire a "destination" in this part of the metropolitan area. With real estate on the boom in the Philippines, both parties hope to capitalize on the momentum of rising incomes and keen interest from foreign investors. Taking advantage of the BPO industry's strength will also help catapult this neighborhood as the nation continues to add more call center seats.

This is a great opportunity to create a more urban center with modern facilities and amenities for northern Metro Manila such as new schools, new hospitals and overall, a destination for all Filipinos. I believe this a great partnership between the Ayalas and the Gatchalians and I know it will spur a lot of economic development in the area. Another great leap for the Urbanismo Filipino!

 

Photo by wellex.com.ph

BCDA Masterplan for Camp Aguinaldo Privatization

I have always thought that Camp Aguinaldo, sitting on prime real estate could do more for Metro Manila and become an anchor and congregating point with its strategic location and proximity to many parts of the metropolis.

The first step is to obviously create a masterplan and an eventual privatization of the property. The government can raise funds to modernize its military by selling off parcels to private developers but carefuly urban planning and design is imperative here. What's important is the opportunity to create a more permeable urban space and breakdown physical barriers. Currently its hideous fortress surrounded by giant walls, blocked away from the rest of the urban fabric. It really has left a void in the community and Metro Manila can really benefit if we unlock this low density/open space.

One thing critical that should be developed is a visible and vibrant public space. No, not the pitiful Bonifacio High Street type of public space, but let's make it into a true public park, one that Metro Manila desperately needs. Think Central Park.

I would NOT like to see another BGC/Taguig development, but a more intimate mid-rise/garden-style development a la Washington DC to complement its neighboring residential enclaves. And definitely would NOT want the same drastic land use NO NO like Makati Business District & its Bel-Air/Forbes/Dasma/Urdaneta around it. High rise building typologies adjacent to to single family low-rises on the same street is preposterous. Human scale must be kept in mind. Of course we're there yet and there is still time before this begins to happen.

I'm just glad BCDA is starting to see Camp Aguinaldo's potential and is doing something about it.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2012/12/18/887160/bcda-craft-master-plan-camp-aguinaldo-privatization