Ayala unveils P20-B dev’t plan for former Sta. Ana racetrack

MANILA, Philippines–Property giant Ayala Land Inc. on Friday unveiled a P20-billion, five-year development plan for a new urban entertainment hub, which will rise at the former Sta. Ana racetrack under a venture with horse-racing operator Philippine Racing Club Inc.

“Circuit is Ayala Land’s 21-hectare integrated, mixed use development anchored on entertainment experiences that brings together Ayala Land’s various product lines–Alveo for residential, Ayala Malls and offices, and Ayala Hotels,” ALI president Antonino Aquino said in a press statement.

“In five years’ time, it will rise as a dynamic urban hub seamlessly complementing the distinct taste for living, leisure and lifestyle of today’s modern urbanites,” he said.

Meean Dy, ALI’s group head for strategic landbank, said Circuit would highlight Makati’s stature “not only as the Philippines’ business and financial capital, but also, more importantly, as the country’s unrivaled destination for lifestyle and entertainment.”

The upcoming hub would be directly connected to the Makati central business district through Ayala Avenue extension and South Avenue, future road linkages and other projects.

“In the past, the race track has provided entertainment for generations of horse-racing aficionados.  Now, Ayala Land intends to preserve the district’s entertainment equity by bringing in a multi-faceted form of entertainment, one that is both interactive and world-class,” she said.

The name “Circuit Makati” was coined to honor Sta. Ana’s heritage the site of a former racing circuit. The word “circuit” also connotes, energy, vibrancy and excitement, ALI said.

The development will feature a theater, a 1,500-seater performing arts venue envisioned to showcase Filipino world-class talent and “Broadway-type” entertainment.

A “Circuit Lane,” will showcase an interactive walk with a multi-purpose black box for more intimate shows, recitals, workshops and parties. The interactive walk will span across the entire length of the district, highlighted by a water feature flanked by retail and leisure shops.

There will also be an events grounds, intended to be a venue for various types of events such as concerts, dance and theater performances, fashion shows, exhibits as well as outdoor sporting events such as football.

The first phase of Circuit development, to be unveiled this year, will include a two-hectare open grounds area that can accommodate up to 20,000 people per event. “The Circuit Event Grounds will feature a 2,000-square meter canopy area which can house up to 1,000 people and is set to be the preferred entertainment venue in the metro, hosting numerous outdoor events and activities providing fun for all,” Mel Ignacio, project development head for Makati.

By next month, Alveo Land is also set to launch its residential projects at Circuit Makati while the mall and retail developments are expected to begin next year.