By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated July 09, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Gokongwei-owned property firm Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) has started the third phase of the redevelopment of Robinsons Place Manila – the largest mall destination in the city of Manila.
RLC’s corporate PR manager Roseann Coscolluela-Villegas said the redevelopment program will be the first major facelift to be undertaken in Robinsons Place Manila since it opened its doors to the public in 1996.
The first two phases of the redevelopment plan was completed last March and resulted in an increase in gross leasable area, she added.
Phase 3 redevelopment, which is targeted for completion before the peak shopping season by yearend, will cover the first two levels of the Padre Faura wing and Levels 1 to 4 of the Pedro Gil wing.
Aside from giving these areas a fresh look, the redevelopment also calls for new store formats that will be attuned to the growing market profile of young professionals with steady income growth, Villegas pointed out.
Since Robinsons Place Manila’s location also caters to a captive market of travelers and tourists, RLC also developed a one-stop Filipiniana shop offering various products ranging from apparel, footwear, furniture, home furnishings, souvenir items, regional delicacies, among others. The area will also house an OFW Center.
“We are looking forward to serving a wider demographic-profiled type of market segment, more of the families who are not just residents of Manila but those from as far as Quezon City, as well as balikbayans who want a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience in a new, fresher and modern mall this side of Manila,” said Lourdes T. Alano, RLC vice-president for lease.
The mall also aims to tap college students from UP Manila, St. Paul University, De La Salle, St. Scholastica’s College, Santa Isabel and other nearby universities, and those that aspire for a higher lifestyle by buying the signature brands and dining at restaurants.
“With this redevelopment, we’re expecting higher patronage that will benefit our tenants due to the expected increase in foot traffic with better demographic profile,” Alano stressed.
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