Prime commercial district to rise in old container yard

CEBU, Philippines — Mandani Bay, the multibillion-peso mixed-use development in Mandaue City, is poised to be a prime central business district in the city in the future, seen to further spark business activity in one of Cebu’s growth centers.

Gilbert Ang, project director, said that what used to be a container yard area in Mandaue is now being transformed to become a bustling business center in the city in 10 to 15 years from now.

When the whole 20-hectare development is completed, Ang said it will have a total of 21 towers.

The entire township itself would be 15 years in the making.

By 2020, at least two towers are already expected to be completed and turned over to homebuyers.

Ang said the waterfront township project, developed by Hong Kong Land and Cebu’s Taft Properties, is seen to boost business activity in Mandaue City particularly in the reclamation area where it it located.

Hong Kong Land is the developer behind the gamed developments across Asia such as Jakarta’s World Trade Center, Hong Kong's Central Portfolio, Macau China's One Central and Singapore’s Marina Bay Financial Center.

The 20-hectare development will have residential areas, a marina and boardwalk, a green promenade, retail storefronts and a commercial strip.

Earlier, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president for external Steven Yu expressed his positive outlook on Mandaue's economic future.

Mandaue City, a key growth area in Cebu, is projected to see a continued growth over the medium term with big projects coming up in the future, he said.

"Mandaue will experience a strong and dynamic growth in the medium to long term horizon," he said.

Aside from Mandani Bay, the Ayala and Aboitiz groups are also developing a mixed-use project called the Gatewalk Central primed to be the newest city center in Cebu, following the success of Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Mandani Bay unveiled the The Tent, a 1,250-sq m events venue located in the 20-hectare development, across its show gallery in F. Zueling Ave., Mandaue City.

The events venue, which is the company’s response to the discerning events venue market in Cebu, can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.