Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, is set to build a new landmark for Pampanga, right at the center of the Capital City of San Fernando, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the province amidst the modern flair of a central business district (CBD).

Capital Town, which is strategically located near the Pampanga Provincial Capitol, will be home to residential and BPO office towers, civic and institutional facilities such as school, amphitheater and event venues, mall and retail hubs, hotel, and a shophouse district that highlights neoclassical and art deco architecture, reflective of Pampanga’s historic rows of heritage houses.

“What we are building in Pampanga is a unique township concept that will truly bring out the best of the Kapampangan culture, tradition and history. In 10 years, Pampanga will see a CBD that is not only a showcase of homegrown businesses and entrepreneurs, but also a center for local arts and culture,” says Eugene Em Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Pampanga.

Land development is set to begin this year for the 35.6-hectare township at the former site of the historic sugar central of the Pampanga Sugar Development Company (PASUDECO). Twenty-five percent of the entire township will be devoted to green and open spaces including road networks. The main township road, San Fernando Boulevard, will be 30-meters wide, or equivalent to six lanes, traversing from Capitol Boulevard all the way to Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Olongapo-Gapan Road).

Megaworld’s ‘first township in the north’ is just around five minutes away from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and 30 minutes away from Clark International Airport. “We are anticipating this to be a busy township. So, as early as now, we are putting in place the infrastructure that fits for a CBD. However, we are also putting up small parks and pocket gardens around the development where people can take a break, relax and enjoy the views of the township,” explains Lozano.

Among the highlights of the township is a mall that will have some design inspiration of the PASUDECO sugar central that used to stand in the same area where it will be built. Significant artifacts of the old sugar central will be housed in a heritage museum, which will be integrated within the proposed mall development. Monuments of famous Pampanga personalities, particularly those who have established PASUDECO, will be erected in various parts of the township.

The six-hectare Shophouse District, likewise, will be the crown jewel of Capital Town. Highlighting the old Pampanga charm with post-colonial architectures, the district will be lined up with low-rise, three-level shophouses.

“We will be selling lots to those who want to build their businesses, and at the same time, live there. The first two lower levels may be dedicated for the business while the topmost floor may be used for their residence. This is a unique offering that we will introduce in Capital Town to help local entrepreneurs and businesses,” adds Lozano.

Shophouse lot sizes range from 276 to 680 square meters. Some lots include alfresco areas that are perfect for businesses like cafes and restaurants.

Last year, Megaworld announced that it is allocating P30-billion to build Capital Town in the next 10 years.

Once completed, Capital Town is expected to generate around 250,000 direct and indirect jobs in the BPO, transport, retail, food and construction sectors, among others.