Property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) has broken ground for a 2.1-hectare mixed-use estate in downtown Cebu’s heritage trail, a development that will include a new international hotel opening in 2024.
The upcoming 182-room Mercure Cebu Downtown would be operated by French multinational chain Accor, a world leading hospitality group, CLI said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.
Named after the historic Catholic recreation center that heavily influenced the lives of young professionals in the 1950s, the redevelopment of Patria de Cebu would be offering 4,320 square meters of food, dining and entertainment spaces and 4,400 square meters of office spaces. The balance would be taken up by Mercure Cebu Downtown.
CLI’s collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cebu covers the development and operation of the mixed-use project for 40 years. The groundbreaking of the complex was timed to commemorate the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines.
The mixed-use complex has been planned to revitalize this historic center of Cebu, which is dominated by the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral that was established centuries ago. Located in front of the cathedral with baroque influences, the new Patria de Cebu—which got the nod of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)—was envisioned by architect Jose Pedro Recio to “visually bridge the old and the new.”
“The final design of Patria de Cebu is a result of a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Cebu, CLI and key stakeholders. It is a celebration of Cebuano history and culture in today’s setting,” CLI chief executive Jose Soberano III said.
With the approval of the NHCP to retain the main Patria building in the final design, CLI and the Archdiocese of Cebu committed to preserve the historic edifice, thereby keeping its rich heritage intact.
A new practical structure would be integrated and which would have dining, entertainment and office hub while showcasing a large central interior plaza for cultural and other gatherings. Its rooftop would have a venue for alfresco events.
Meanwhile, Mercure Cebu Downtown would have a ballroom and meeting rooms for social and business gatherings. It would also have a restaurant, an executive floor lounge, swimming pool and rooftop bar.
Accor, the largest hospitality company in Europe, is likewise CLI’s partner in another landmark project at the Cebu Business Park that was announced earlier this year, the five-star Sofitel Cebu City. INQ