BGC triple its '03 size and still growing

MANILA, Philippines - Just a little over six years ago, Bonifacio Global City was viewed merely as the periphery of the Makati Central Business district that provided an alternative route to those heading for or coming from the country’s largest business center.

Today, Bonifacio Global City has emerged as a premier district in its own right. Highlighted by condominiums, headquarters of global corporations and unique retail developments, BGC has become a preferred district where the essentials of live, work and play converge. Many now send their children to the three international schools there, regularly shop in its two main malls, and frequently dine in its highly-rated fine dining restaurants. All told the district, which now has a gross floor area of 1.3 million sqm. and has grown more than three times its size in 2003. By 2012, gross floor area is expected to hit 2.6 million or the size of Makati and over twice the figure today.

The urban center’s expansion was boosted six years ago when major property companies Ayala Land and Evergreen Holdings of the Campos group pooled resources to take the lead in Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC), the firm responsible for developing the area. Since then, Bonifacio Global City has metamorphosed from a military camp into a destination for business, retail and entertainment. Moreover, the city is bound to keep growing as a range of activities and projects continue to be launched to sustain its growth.

According to Noel Kintanar, FBDC head of commercial operations: “The vision is to create and ideal and balanced lifestyle with sufficient time for work, recreation and one’s passions in life. By creating an environment that fosters such a balance, we hope to attract locators who will contribute further to this over-arching goal. The 20,000 people who now live here, 30,000 employees who work here and over 150,000 shoppers who visit our malls everyday inspire us to keep on going.”

Following the redevelopment of the city center masterplan, Bonifacio High Street was launched. The unique shopping experience designed around a kilometer-long stretch park, has since won a loyal following as well as local and international awards. It has also defined the outdoor orientation of Bonifacio Global City.

Development of the city is now moving northwards. Conceived to showcase BGC’s recreational amenities, City Center North along major roads 32nd Street and 34th Street, consists of 14 commercial lots that are around 2,000 sqm. each. “While we want City Center North to be a live-work-play area like the rest of district, it will highlight the ‘play’ aspect of the community,” clarifies Kintanar. Thus, the are will showcase a proposed sportplex, skatepark and an open field for recreation and sports.