Megaworld Corp., the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, has announced in a press briefing at The Souq Restaurant here on Thursday. Megaworld Pampanga first vice president for sales and marketing Eugene Em Lozano said The Capital Town will be home to residential and BPO office towers, civic and institutional facilities such as school, amphitheater and event venues, mall and retail hubs, hotel, and a shophouse district that highlights neoclassical and art deco architecture which reflects Pampanga’s row of heritage houses.
“What we are building in Pampanga is a unique township concept that will truly bring out the best of the Kapampangan culture, tradition and history. In 10 years Pampanga will see a CBD that is not only a showcase of homegrown businesses and entrepreneurs but also a center for local arts and culture,” said Lozano.
Land development t is set to begin this year for the 36.6-hectare township at the former site of the historic sugar central of Pampanga Sugar Development Company (Pasudeco) which is only five minutes away from the Pampanga Capitol as well as from the North Luzon Expressway.
Lozano said 25 percent of the entire township will be devoted to green and open spaces including road networks.
The main township road, the San Fernando Boulevard, will be 30 meters wide or equivalent to six lanes, traversing from Capitol Boulevard all the way to the main highway – the Jose Abad Santos Avenue.
“We are anticipating this to be a busy township. So as early as now we are putting in place the infrastructure that fits for a CBD,” said Lozano. “We are also putting up small parks and pocket gardens around the development where people can take a break, relax and enjoy the views of the township,” he added.
Among the highlights of the township is a mall that will have some design inspiration of the Pasudeco sugar central that used to stand in the same area where it will be built.
Significant artifacts of the old sugar central will be housed in a heritage museum which will be integrated in the proposed mall development, Lozano said.
It was also learned that monuments of famous Kapampangan personalities, particularly those who established Pasudeco, will be erected in various parts of the township.
The six-hectare Shophouse District will be the crown jewel of The Capital Town which will be lined up with lowrise, three level shophouses, Lozano said.
“We will be selling lots to those who want to build their business, and at the same time, live there,” Lozano said.
“The first two lower levels may be dedicated for the businesses while the topmost floors maybe used for their residences,” he added.
Lozano said the Shophouse District will help local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Pampanga area. He added the company has already received interest from potential buyers, and hopes to sell out all the commercial spaces within six months.
Last year, Megaworld announced that it is allocating P30 billion to develop the Pampanga township in the next 10 years.
Once completed, The Capital Town is expected to generate around 250,000 direct and indirect jobs in the BPO, transport, retail, food and construction sectors, among others.
