By Artemio A. Dumlao Updated June 30, 2009 12:00 AM [ BusinessWorld Online ]
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — After a slow start, development inside Camp John Hay, the former American rest and recreation facility, is expected to accelerate.
More infrastructure projects are set for implementation as both the developer Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) and its latest locator Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) will start soon “developments” in the area.
Alfredo Yñiguez III, CJHDevCo chief operating officer and Steve Dy, assistant vice president for Ayala Land Businesscapes, said the biggest project is the Eco Village which will be built right where the Filling Station is currently located.
The Eco Village will be a one-storey structure that will house restaurants, shops and an arts and culture center. It is envisioned to be a convergence area where al fresco dining and regular shows will be held, Yñiguez said adding that the structure will blend with Camp John Hay’s green and mountainous environment.
This is just the beginning he said as he pointed out that in the next five years as wellness, sports and recreation centers will also be built.
They are also currently rushing Phase 1 of The Suites, in time for the Advertising Congress in November. Baguio will host for the second time the biggest gathering of stakeholders in the Filipino advertising industry.
The Suites is a 366-unit condotel facility being built just beside the Manor. The Suites takes the place of what was once the 19th Tee Restaurant, a famous spot where golfers and guests converged for meals with a breath-taking view of the golf course.
Phase 1 involves construction of 200 rooms and Phase 2, 166 rooms.
For its part, ALI is set to develop an initial 2.6-hectare property where a “pedestrianized” type of mall will be constructed.
Dy said shops will be connected by covered walkways to allow people to walk, instead of riding. No trees will be cut, at least in the initial phase of development, he added.
Initial investment by ALI is around P500 million.
Its biggest development meanwhile is the construction of six to eight buildings, which will be used as its administration office and for business process outsourcing.
These buildings conform to the four-storey requirement of the city government.
An estimated 3,000 employees will be accommodated in each building.
ALI has acquired 12 hectares of the remaining 10 hectares left as open spaces and forest covers.
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