Azure North in Pampanga: Century Properties builds northern oasis

MANILA, Philippines - Century Properties Group Inc. sees the growth of Pampanga to continue in the coming years and foresees it to be the central business district of Central Luzon.

The listed property developer, in line with its plans to expand to key regional hubs in the Philippines, is building an integrated center in the city of San Fernando in the province with a projected sales revenue of P14 billion. The eight-hectare development is called Azure North and will comprise seven planned residential high-rises, offices, retail and possibly a business hotel.

“Pampanga has all the factors that make it one of the most important provinces in the country: a rich history and culture, continued economic growth and strategic location. It has a large population of the growing middle class because it has a large base of Filipinos who work overseas. We foresee Pampanga as the next region of progress,” said Century Properties director for investor relations Kristina Garcia.

Recognized as one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines, San Fernando is Pampanga’s capital and Central Luzon’s regional center.  It is a major rice and sugar-producing area and is home to major beverage manufacturing plants. The city is a major tourist destination all year-round for its popular food stops, the Philippine Hot Air Balloon event, and the giant lantern festival during the Christmas season, among others.

San Fernando also has the region’s biggest shopping centers – SM Pampanga, Robinsons Star Mills Pampanga and S&R Price Pampanga. These malls are all within the junction of NLEX and Jose Abad Santos Avenue, as is Azure North.

“As we proceed with our diversification strategy, we are also quite excited to be a part of the growth of San Fernando and show our tradition and DNA of building innovative communities that complements the energy of this bustling city,” Garcia said.

Azure North continues the company’s line of Azure Urban Resort Residences that has been known for its resort-oriented lifestyle, man-made beach and Paris Beach Club amenities. The first Azure project is in Parañaque City, which has nine towers. In March 2014, three towers have been completed as well as the Paris Beach Club, and the rest of the six towers are in various stages of construction. The fourth tower is scheduled for completion in 2015.

But while the architecture of Azure in Parañaque was inspired by Miami’s white ocean swept aesthetic, Azure North will be more organic, lush and sprawling. Its design inspiration came from the atolls and sentinel-like rocks that jut out from the ocean in some of the world’s enchanting destinations like Koh Samui, the Maldives and Palawan.

The proposed seven residential towers/town house clusters that form the residential component of the development evoke the sense of rocky outcrops that spring organically from the water and are topped with lush, verdant greenery – encapsulating a central beach oasis and its azure waters.

Its central piece is the man-made Azure North Beach, which will have a private island where one can host parties and special gatherings. A multi-level beach club, multi-purpose event space, restaurants and bars complete the residential resort vibe.

International style icon Paris Hilton, who previously worked with Century Properties for the design of the beach club in Azure Paranaque, has again joined the developer in conceptualizing one of Azure North’s major amenity areas.

Azure North will rise at the western corner of the Northern Luzon Expressway. It is located near Robinsons Starmills and SM Pampanga. More information on Azure North is available at www.azurenorth.com.ph.