(The Philippine Star) Updated May 24, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) took another step forward in the redevelopment of the Ayala Center, at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, pouring its first batch of concrete onto what will soon be a renewed site for active urbanites.
The ongoing Ayala Center redevelopment will transform Makati’s premier shopping hub into a world-class mixed-use development that will cater to the needs of urban dwellers. It will feature an integrated community with new shopping, lifestyle and entertainment areas, office developments, residential condominiums, and hotels while enhancing traffic and pedestrian mobility through efficient use of open spaces.
According to ALI President and CEO Antonino Aquino, the planned redevelopment of Ayala Center is in line with the company’s over-all growth and sustainability strategy.
“What we aspire to do in the coming years is to grow with and move in the same direction as our customers,” Aquino said. “The plan for Ayala Center was borne out of an in-depth and careful study on what our customers need, want, and dream about. It’s really about providing people with an enhanced living, working and shopping experience,” he said.
At the forefront of this redevelopment will be the introduction of a new concept that will be the new Glorietta. It will showcase the best retailers and merchandise and offer unparalleled shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences that will reinforce the Ayala Center as a key destination in the metropolis.
Part of the redevelopment project also aims to improve the functionality and attractiveness of Ayala Center by rationalizing traffic, parking, pedestrian mobility and overall user convenience. Intercept ramps assembled to lead into interconnected, underground car parks will make it easy for vehicles to get in and around Ayala Center.
Another distinct feature to be developed is Palm Drive, a new major pedestrian-friendly boulevard connecting Makati Avenue to EDSA. This main artery will be shaded and lined with retail shops offering pedestrians a more relaxing trek around the Ayala Center.
New outdoor landscaped spaces will provide for more places to gather, bond and rejuvenate with family and friends. A re-energized Activity Center will become a venue for a diversity of uses and events that will complement and reinforce each other, generating round-the-clock activity and vibrancy.
The redevelopment will also include the construction of two new office buildings located within the Ayala Center. The office development will be composed of two mid-rise buildings with six to seven storeys built on top of the mall. It will have a combined GLA of approximately 39,000 sqms. Designed according to Grade A specifications, each building will be equipped to handle the 24/7 requirements of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms. Potential locators will have a dedicated lobby for each building at the ground floor with easy access to the mall, drop-off areas as well as the other facilities around Ayala Center.
Internationally-branded hotels will provide a wide array of choices that appeal to discerning travelers and professionals. Aside from the development of the 300-room Fairmont Hotel and 30-suite Raffles Hotel, a 15 story 347-room internationally branded businessman’s hotel will rise on top of the redeveloped Ayala Center. The new hotel will have a wide range of business facilities and amenities.
In addition, the latest residential venture by Ayala Land Premiere, Park Terraces, will soon rise right at the heart of the Ayala Center, creating yet another Makati cornerstone. Park Terraces, promises a heightened connectivity — one wherein proximity to retail and business areas is high priority via its interconnected underground parking that will link the development directly to Glorietta and to the best of Makati’s destinations.
Like other Ayala Land projects, the Ayala Center redevelopment abides by a strong commitment to sustainable design and building benchmarks. Many portions are reserved for landscaped parks and pathways that will provide a healthier, more refreshing environment for everyone to enjoy.
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