Ayala Land Estates: A true gamechanger in Cebu’s economic ascent

Written by: Amy R. Remo

Ayala Land has rightfully written itself in Cebu’s growth story.

As one of the pioneering national developers in the province, this property giant has long established a strong foothold here, helping enrich the quality of life, drive development, and fuel growth, which fittingly aligns with Cebu’s own economic ascent over the decades.

Iconic centers of growth, leisure

Today, Ayala Land has five strategically positioned estates across Metro Cebu—two of which, namely Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park, are already well established and have since become vital growth centers that contribute significantly to the local economy.

Soon, three more promising estates are poised to become iconic growth centers and leisure hubs—catering to the growing demand for vibrant, sustainable communities that help enhance the way people live, work, and play.

Through these integrated mixed-use developments, Ayala Land is not only contributing to Cebu’s economic expansion but is also ensuring its long-term growth in one of the most dynamic regions in the Philippines.

“Here in Cebu, we made a strategic effort to be present across the tri-cities of Metro Cebu. Cebu has always been an important part of our vision in Ayala Land. In fact, Cebu City is home to our flagship estates in the country, not just in VisMin. [These are] the Cebu Business Park, and the IT Capital of Cebu, the Cebu IT Park,” said Jennylle S. Tupaz, Senior Estates Development Head for Central Luzon and Vismin, Ayala Land Estates Inc. (ALEI).

“Soon an iconic new growth center will rise in South Road Properties, in our estate South Coast City. In Mactan, we have our leisure estate Seagrove which we are also activating, and in Mandaue, we have Gatewalk Central, a prime new commercial and lifestyle center,” Tupaz added.

South Coast City: The new entertainment capital

Touted as Cebu’s “next bright spot”, the 26-ha South Coast City is fast shaping up as one of the most prominent central business districts (CBD) in the country, next to Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City and Mall of Asia complex.

South Coast City — The 26-hectare masterplanned estate along South Coastal Road in South Road Properties (SRP) strategically links north and south Cebu to Mactan via the nearby CCLEX bridge.

At the same time, it promises to become the new entertainment capital in the region as this estate will be the future home of an SM arena, which will have a 16,000-seating capacity; an SMX Convention Center; and premium hotels like Radisson and Park Inn. This estate—a collaborative venture between Ayala Land and the SM Group—will also feature a 1-hectare central park and the District Square, the commercial hub of the estate that caters to both homegrown and international businesses.

South Coast City Central Park serves as an outdoor convergence area, complementing the estate’s commercial and entertainment facilities.

Beyond solidifying its status as a premier destination in Visayas, South Coast City will also be a model of sustainable urban planning.

Key features include comprehensive geotechnical studies and engineering assessments to ensure resilience against natural hazards; underground power and telecom lines that enhance city aesthetics and reduce service interruptions; as well as hybrid solar and LED streetlights that minimize energy consumption.

Additionally, the estate’s wide covered walkways, walkable paths, and protected bike lanes will promote safe, sustainable mobility.

Gatewalk Central’s highly walkable open spaces foster interaction and exchange among community goers.

Gatewalk Central: Mandaue’s Vibrant New Core

In Mandaue City, Ayala Land is transforming a 17.5-ha expanse into Gatewalk Central, an urban revitalization project that seeks to create a new commercial and lifestyle district.

Gatewalk Central’s High Street-inspired greenway is designed to promote a pedestrian-centric experience for visitors.

Designed with a high street concept and a 25-meter-wide central greenway, Gatewalk Central creates a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages active living. It will feature the first Ayala Mall in Mandaue City, alongside modern office spaces, a transport hub, lively streetscapes filled with shops and restaurants, as well as verdant landscapes.

This new central commercial and lifestyle district is set to introduce a vibrant, sustainable space that celebrates Mandaue’s cultural heritage and showcases its unique flavors and offerings, all while boosting the local economy. The recently opened prime commercial lots along M. Logarta Ave. will also soon host some of Mandaue’s most esteemed businesses and office headquarters.

Seagrove: Cebu’s Eco-Fun Destination

On the shores of Mactan, Seagrove presents a different kind of experience. This 13.5-ha estate—Ayala Land’s first leisure estate in Cebu, developed in partnership with Taft Properties—blends coastal beauty with leisure and eco-friendly tourism.

Seagrove — A leisure estate fronting Magellan Bay and a mangrove forest are located in Punta Engaňo, Mactan’s resort corridor.

Designed as a seafront eco-fun destination, Seagrove celebrates Cebu’s natural environment. Here, Ayala Land places strong focus on environmental stewardship, particularly in preserving and enhancing biodiversity. Its existing program monitors various species of mangroves, plants, and wildlife to ensure harmonious coexistence between the ecosystem and the built environment.

Seagrove also promotes eco-tourism through its mangrove walk and coral nursery, integrating environmental conservation with leisure activities. A dedicated transport hub and improved bus routes further contribute to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing accessibility. A key future attraction will be the expansive retail boardwalk, offering stunning views of the scenic mangrove forest and Magellan Bay.

Seagrove Boardwalk will offer unique retail and leisure concepts for both tourists and locals.

Cohesive, dynamic environments

Through these estates, Ayala Land is not only tapping into Cebu’s diverse economic sectors, but is also creating a network of developments that can support the province’s growth on many fronts.

From South Coast City’s business and entertainment offerings to Gatewalk Central’s vibrant lifestyle district and Seagrove’s leisure appeal, Ayala Land’s estates are designed to complement one another, creating a cohesive and dynamic urban environment across Metro Cebu.

“We are here for the long haul. When we develop our estates, we endeavor to create ecosystems that people want to be a part of, that they can identify with, and that they can evolve with. This is why we build, maintain, repair, update, and rebuild—to ensure that our communities are livable, sustainable, and future-ready,” Tupaz concluded.

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Ayala Land.