BCDA, Widus ink lease for P12 billion Clark resort

MANILA, Philippines — The Widus Group and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have inked a lease agreement for the development of a P12 billion luxury mountain resort in New Clark City. 

In a statement, the BCDA said Widus would lease 450 hectares of land within New Clark City.

Widus will use the land to develop luxury mountain resort Hann Lux.

Of the investment commitment, P5 billion will be spent for the first phase which includes putting up Angsana Hotel and the Banyan Tree Hotel, an 18-hole championship golf course and a clubhouse. 

Widus expects to complete the first phase within five years. 

Meanwhile, the second phase will have a total investment of P7 billion and will cover development of Westin and Luxury Collection by Marriott, two 18-hole championship golf courses, outdoor recreation facilities, premium villas and residences, a mixed-use commercial center, and a 10-hectare public park.

Development of a luxury mountain resort in New Clark City was submitted as an unsolicited proposal by Widus to the BCDA. 

Widus is the owner and developer of the Widus Hotel and Casino and the Clark Marriott Hotel. 

Dae Sik Han, president and chief executive officer of Hann Development Corp., a member of the Widus Consortium, is hopeful the luxury mountain resort development will attract more visitors to New Clark City.

“Clark is fast becoming one of the top destinations in Northern Luzon for both tourists and investors. We hope to attract more with the development of a new leisure resort in New Clark City, one that is in keeping with the vision of BCDA,” Han said.

For his part, BCDA president and CEO Vivencio Dizon said the partnership with the Widus Group is in line with the vision for New Clark City to be green, resilient, and sustainable. 

“Part of the agreement is the use of nature and Filipino-inspired architecture for the luxury mountain resort to showcase local culture and tradition which the Hann Group is known for,” he said.

New Clark City is a 9,450-hectare development located 100 kilometers north of Metro Manila. 

This development which seeks to decongest the capital, is envisioned to feature smart technologies and mixed-use developments including a world-class government center, sports hub for national athletes, and educational centers. 

New Clark City’s Phase 1A, which houses the new Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center to be used for this year’s 30th South East Asian Games, is 99 percent complete.