Commercial complex proposed in Ermita

CEBU, Philippines – Investors from Hong Kong and their local partner have approached the Cebu City government expressing interest to develop Warwicks Barracks and Freedom Park in Barangay Ermita into a car park building with a commercial and shopping area.

Councilor Jose Daluz said the investors already sent a letter of intent to Mayor Michael Rama to develop the two-hectare Freedom Park and Warwick Barracks.

Daluz said he will arrange for a meeting between Rama and the investors to present the proposal.

Frank Yu, a representative of the investors, said their vision is to create a Divisoria-like commercial area that will revive the shopping activities in the downtown area of the city like never been before.

Freedom Park and Warwick Barracks are currently occupied by flower vendors and others selling dried goods and vegetables.

Warwick Barracks, built in the early part of the 1900s, was the military strong-hold of the Americans during the colonial period.

"Local and Hong Kong investors of diversified business experiences and disciplines will manage the development of the shopping center. The creation of new jobs and additional revenue for the city are the expected contributions from the project," the letter read.

As peace and order in the area, the investors also proposed the renovation of the Ermita police station at no expense to the city government.

They also proposed for an exclusive annual lease for 25 years, which will start upon the completion of the evacuation of all occupants in the mentioned locations. -/BRP (FREEMAN)