Picadilly Circus lands in Biñan

THE center’s architectural sketches and contemporary design were inspired by the umbrella-like structures of L’Umbracle Gardens in Valencia, Spain.

Picadilly Circus Landing Inc. (PCLI) led by Andrew Ng recently launched the plans to construct a 16,000-square-meter Umbria Commercial Center in Biñan City, Laguna.

The center’s architectural sketches and contemporary design were inspired by the umbrella-like structures of L’Umbracle Gardens in Valencia, Spain.

During the recent launch at Edsa Shangri-La, Ng says the construction will be completed by the third quarter of 2013.

The multilevel commercial center occupies a full hectare of prime real estate where specialty retail, clothing and accessories boutiques; fastfood, casual and specialty restaurants; cafés and milk tea shops and convenience and drug stores, sports and hobby stores, and more service-oriented shops will be up and running during the fourth quarter of 2013.

“Aside from being a one-stop lifestyle destination, Umbria has all the components of commercial success that we believe would appeal to retail and dining establishments. It has the four rights—right size, right tenant mix, right market and right location,” says Anton Hecahanova, managing director of Umbria.

The commercial center is PCLI’s maiden venture into the shopping center development. According to Ng, a budget of P100 million is set aside to build the center.

Rental income is projected to be P60 million. The retail component will have a gross leasable area (GLA) of 10,000 sq. m and over 80 units are up for grabs.

Asked why they have chosen Biñan as the location, Hechanova notes that the city is a progressive city and there are plenty of opportunities in Biñan.

It is also known to be a first-class city with highly populated residential communities, he says.

He also adds that “people are moving southwards. Big players have already stationed their products there.”

Hechanova says that they want to give the people of Biñan a unique experience by setting up a commercial center which can be called a “facebook/instagram mall” where every nook and cranny will offer a photo opportunity for the consumers.

In constructing Umbria, he notes that they have respected the terrain and offered wider walkability area for the consumers.

The center also features a scenic elevator that provides a panoramic view of its surroundings. Covered pathways and parking lots will also be available.

But one of the main attractions of Umbria is its accessibility.

“The location is very strategic. It is a 10-minute drive from Alabang and is accessible 24/7 to public transportation. It is right in the center of Biñan,” Ng says.

PCLI has extensive experience in trading, real estate commercial leasing, retail operations and franchising.