an artist’s rendition of the upcoming Robinsons Mall in Ormoc
Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. is expanding its nationwide shopping mall empire with the opening this year of two new malls in Leyte, an island-province which has rebounded from the devastation of SuperTyphoon Yolanda in 2013.
After recently completing the major expansion of Robinsons Place Tacloban, RLC is now constructing Ormoc City’s first full-service mall as well as Tacloban City’s second Robinsons mall.
“We have taken note of the progress in the economy of Eastern Visayas and Robinsons Land intends to be a partner in this growth in economic activity,” RLC president Frederick Go said in a press statement on Tuesday.
“This is a testament to our commitment to serving the needs of the country’s growing economy, particularly in Eastern Visayas.”
Robinsons Place Ormoc and Robinsons North Tacloban (Abucay) will be RLC’s 12th and 13th malls in the Visayas, respectively. Overall, they will be the 48th and 49th in RLC’s nationwide chain, respectively.
Robinsons Place Ormoc is rising on an 11-hectare property with a direct access from the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc City Road and is around four kilometers from Ormoc City proper.
Ormoc’s economic base has a good mix of aquaculture, industry, tourism, commercial services, and agriculture. The queen pineapple – being one of the bulk produce of the agriculture sector and also the city’s most famous produce – is the main inspiration for the overall design of the new RLC mall.
With a building footprint of 16,530 square meters, Robinsons Place Ormoc will have a gross floor area (GFA) of more than 34,900 square meters (sqm) and a gross leasable area (GLA) of more than 23,700 sqm. spread over three floors.
On the other hand, Robinsons North Tacloban is now being built in Abucay, which is the new fast-growing commercial center of Tacloban City. It will have a GFA of 57,750 sqms and a GLA of 26,750 sqm, including four cinemas, spread over three floors.
The home of the largest fertilizer factory in Asia, Abucay’s economy is driven by the agriculture, aquaculture, bag making, garments, and food processing industries.
“Both malls will feature an exciting mix of local and international brands, a broad range of retail shops, and a wide selection of fine and casual dining options,” said Go.
The anchor tenants of the new malls will be affiliate retailers Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Appliances and Robinsons Movieworld.