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SMC unveils Bulacan aerocity conceptual plan prepared by Palafox Associates
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Central to the plan is the P740-billion New Manila International Airport
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SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang said the designs reflect the vision of a modern Philippine city that provides built-in solutions to various socio-economic, environmental, and climate issues, and correct the mistakes seen in many urban developments of Metro Manila
San Miguel Corp (SMC) revealed on May 17 conceptual plans for its Bulacan aerocity envisioned as a green and future-ready development.
SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang in a statement said the designs reflect the vision of a modern Philippine city that provides built-in solutions to various socio-economic, environmental, and climate issues, and corrects mistakes seen in many urban developments of Metro Manila.
Palafox Associates was tapped to prepare the aerocity’s master plan.
“These designs presented to us by Arch. [Felino] Palafox and his team will be close to actual. There will probably be some adjustments by the time we implement, and we will still continue to improve as needed, but in terms of the overall concept, design, and the features, this is it,” Ang said in a statement.
He underscored the aerocity development addresses many of the problems experienced in Metro Manila today. Ang said it is designed, and will be built, with sustainability in mind, and will be properly zoned, with areas dedicated to agriculture and food production, logistics, health and wellness, aeronautics, finance, science and technology, commerce, residences, education, tourism, entertainment, recreation, and government, among others.
Central to the plan is the P740-billion New Manila International Airport.
The aerocity will utilize renewable energy and accommodate both traditional and alternative modes of transportation, as well as promote active and healthier lifestyles, he added.
Green architectural and green urbanism guidelines over and above the country’s building and zoning codes will be adopted, and structural codes of other countries similarly situated in earthquake zones like the Philippines will be followed. The complex will have ample open spaces and utilize the latest in digital infrastructure.
Moreover, it will feature easily accessible public transport systems, including mass transit systems, bicycle highways, as well as a waterfront area with landscaped walkways and promenades.
“While we need to fast-track the completion of this airport and aerocity to help ease travel congestion and aid in the country’s recovery with more jobs and opportunities for more Filipinos, we are mindful that we need to do this the right way and with a vision for a sustainable future. That is why we tapped Architect Palafox for this project,” Ang said.
The Department of Transportation and SMC’s unit, San Miguel Aerocity, in September 2019 signed the concession agreement for the project. This came after the notice of award was handed to SMC in August 2019 when its unsolicited proposal went uncontested.
READ: DOTr officially awards Bulacan airport project to San Miguel
Under the deal, San Miguel will finance, design, construct, supply, complete, test, commission, and operate and maintain the new international airport.
The 50 year-concession period will start after construction of the project’s initial phase is completed. The project is under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
The airport, to be built on a 2,500-hectare area in Bulakan, Bulacan, will have a passenger terminal building with a design capacity of 100 million to 200 million passengers per year, four parallel runways upgradable to six, and eight taxiways. It will feature interlinked infrastructure network that includes expressways and railways.
