Written by: Amy R. Remo
Ayala Land’s strategic venture in the south is rapidly gaining ground, emerging as a progressive economic center in Cavite.
Evo City, a sprawling 200-ha estate touted as the CBD (central business district) of the South, has begun coming to fruition, poised to offer a complete urban ecosystem that holds great promise not only for its future residents but also for businesses looking to establish and grow their presence in this burgeoning hub.
The realization of Ayala Land’s visionary concept is more evident now with the continuing turnover of commercial lots, signifying a healthy investment appetite among businesses who, early on, have already realized the potential of Evo City. At the same time, the rise of Alveo Land’s residential neighborhood, The Residences at Evo City, indicates a strong demand for contemporary dwellings that can complement the vibrant atmosphere of Evo City.
Blueprint for new era
That strong demand from businesses, investors and homebuyers is not unfounded. With its strategic location, efficient infrastructure, innovative design, and sustainable practices, Evo City will exemplify the blueprint for a new era in urban development. International firm DPZ (Duany Plater-Zyberk) has masterplanned this estate in such a way that it becomes an integrated assembly of elements functioning as a complete organism, synthesizing residential communities, workspaces, shops, entertainment, schools, parks, and civic facilities, all within walking distance of each other.
Such an approach means Evo City will be providing residents with a dynamic, convenient and highly accessible community suited to their evolving, future-forward lifestyles, while local enterprises and multinational companies are accorded a conducive, business-friendly atmosphere that can offer lucrative prospects for growth and expansion.
Strategic connectivity
This early, many businesses already find Evo City to be an optimal location. Its strategic connectivity, after all, not only makes it a convenient destination but also positions it as a hub for economic growth in the southern part of Metro Manila.
More specifically, major road networks and highways merge into the Centennial Road (Antero Soriano Highway) where the main entrance of Evo City opens. Key locations such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Ayala Land’s Vermosa estate are less than an hour away, thanks to key infrastructure such as NAIAx, Manila-Cavite Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax), among others.
Future infrastructure projects also further guarantee a more seamless convergence to complement this progressive community. For instance, once the Cavite segment of Calax is completed, it will interconnect all southern towns of Cavite and Laguna, which will be funneled towards Evo City through the Kawit Interchange.
Thriving market
Within Evo City itself, businesses are assured of a thriving market and steady foot traffic as this masterplanned, integrated community will have offices, two campus-type business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, commercial areas, an Ayala Mall, and residential neighborhoods.
Initially, Ayala Land is investing P4 billion over the next three years to fund the development of these components, which will ensure that the estate will thrive.
Opening here, for example, is the 32-ha Evo City Park Plaza, a mixed-use retail and lifestyle center, similar to the Ayala Center in Makati. Besides the Visitor Center, this estate will also feature a 1,000-seat church designed by Dominic Galicia Architects; an Ayala Mall offering 54,000 sqm in gross leasable area; and the Evo City Technohub, whose first phase will be opened by 2025. Earlier this year, S&R Membership Shopping opened a store in Evo City.
Also set to draw residents and guests here are the 13 ha of verdant parks and open spaces that are seamlessly connected throughout the estate. The 5-ha park will serve as the central amenity place for Evo City, while a 2.6-ha active park, linear parks and parkettes with transit stops, bike racks and seating areas will be spread throughout the estate.
At the same time, businesses will benefit from the smart and sustainability features of Evo City, helping them future-proof their respective businesses. Besides its thoughtfully designed road and bike network systems, Evo City also features an Integrated Operations Center, retarding basins for stormwater management, native plants and trees for biodiversity conservation, a transit terminal, solar-powered facilities, residual waste reduction programs, among others.
Wealth of prospects
Indeed a wealth of prospects await at Evo City—opportunities for career growth, business expansion, and even value appreciation for property. It gives companies and investors all the reasons to set up shop in this emerging CBD.
Alveo Land will be launching this month its second phase of development for commercial lots, enabling more businesses to capture potential gains in this CBD.
Following the strong take-up of commercial lots in the first phase, this second phase is situated along Daang Hari Link Road and adjacent to The Residences at Evo City. It will enable businesses to readily serve a broad range of market—from residents, office workers to guests and even those passing by this estate.
As it continues to evolve and expand, Evo City will no doubt be a dynamic, forward-thinking CBD, offering the promise of a masterplanned environment well primed for progress.
ADVT.