Listed engineering and infrastructure company Megawide Construction Corporation is proposing to transform Carbon Public Market in Cebu City into a world-class mixed-use complex with a 24/7 market and a lifestyle component.
In a statement, Megawide managing director for transport Louie Ferrer said they envision a six-block development with a wholesaler’s hub, lifestyle village, boqueria, and the Premier Galleria and airport in-city check-in facility.
It will also feature a waterfront plaza, and the Sto. Niño Chapel and Park. On top of the chapel will a huge image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu facing the sea.
In front of the chapel will be a terminal for water taxis that will provide an alternative means of transport for travelers between Cebu City and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Ferrer said Megawide hopes to jumpstart Cebu’s recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by redeveloping Carbon, the biggest public market in Cebu City, “to provide a safer and more efficient experience while bringing its historical and cultural value to the fore.”
Megawide submitted its unsolicited proposal to the Cebu City Government on October 11, 2019. About five months later, on March 9, 2020, Megawide was granted original proponent status, which allows it to match any competing offer.
Implementation of the project is structured as a joint venture between the Cebu City Government and Megawide. It will be undertaken in two phases over four years.
In its financial report for the first quarter of 2020, Megawide said it will spend around P3 billion for the first phase, which will involve the construction of the new public market including a night market and other commercial establishments as well as an integrated transport hub, a ferry terminal, and the Sto. Niño Chapel and Park.
Phase 2 will be the mixed-use development.
In his statement, Ferrer said the company aims to deliver a new and improved public market, and improve access through an interim transport terminal.
He said Cebu City will continue to oversee market operations while Megawide will maintain the facility.
“The design and operations for the market were planned with the intent to preserve the current vendor selection while improving overall market facility and systems," he said.
The integrated transport hub will house all modes of land transportation. The ferry terminal will feature an in-city check-in facility similar to those in Hong Kong and Japan, where travelers can conveniently check in their luggage and enjoy time in Carbon while waiting to connect to the airport.
Ferrer said this will be the first in-city check-in facility in the Philippines.
Construction of the transport and ferry terminals will add to Megawide’s transit-oriented development portfolio. Megawide also built and operates the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
“These kinds of projects help the greater public that do not have access to private transportation. With proper connectivity to key areas such as Carbon, we can encourage productivity and open more opportunities,” Ferrer said. (Ventures Cebu)
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