Ayala opens P500M techno hub in CJH

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Ayala Land formally inaugurated its P500 million Baguio techno hub, a retail development and dining center of two single-storey cabin-type plaza to highlight the scenic pine trees, located within a 12-hectare leased area in the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone.

Tony Aquino, Ayala Land president, said the newly-opened retail department and dining center will be the first integrated mixed-use development of the company in the summer capital that puts together office and retail spaces and infuses innovations into the city’s premier high-end destination which is Camp John Hay by enhancing the dining landscape with choices that have been handpicked to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience while in the city.

We want to strike a balance between development and the environment so we have maintained the greenery within the leased area for visitors to really have a feel of Baguio,” Aquino said.

He added the techno hub which now employs approximately 2,600 individuals, mostly from Baguio and the surrounding communities, fulfills the target market’s great need for a family destination that offers variety and a relaxing ambiance in an eco-friendly setting.

According to Aquino, out of the 12-hectare leased area of Ayala, it only used up more than 3 hectares for the dining and retail center and business process outsourcing complex to serve as Baguio’s pride with its distinctive architecture and design that embraces Baguio’s concepts mixed with local flavors that showcase the city’s unique culture.

Aquino added Ayala Land will continue to develop the neighboring center which will accommodate a BPO complex with the infusion of another P1.5 billion which is expected to generate another 1,500 jobs for qualified local residents thereby greatly contributing to the city’s robust economic growth considering the existence of a high-end retail and dining center.

“We intend to provide a rich dining completion to the mixed use development inside Camp John Hay,” he said, citing that “it will showcase a charming combination of popular, first in Baguio concepts and choices that are distinctly local.

The Baguio Ayala techno hub is situated along the greens of the former
American rest and recreation center and will provide local residents and tourists a relaxing and refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Baguio City.

He said the Baguio techno hub will be a mix of dining and fastfood restaurants generally found in Metro Manila but are first in the city and includes a sprinkle of convenient and service stores plus local concepts ranging from restaurants, cafes, delicacies, souvenirs and services.

At present, the Ayala Land official claimed 21 retail establishments are own occupying 35 spaces within the retail and dining center to serve as an added boost to the tourism attractions in the city.

Jamie Eloise M. Agbayani, president of the John Hay Management Corp. said the full operation of the Ayala techno hub will greatly improve the business atmosphere within the special economic zone and will help in attracting the influx of more tourists who will contribute in the robust economic growth of the city which is now serving its identity as the prime tourist destination north of Manila.

The Baguio techno hub is described as a relaxing nature-centric destination amidst the fast-paced, all-concrete development in the city proper. The retail development center will be reminiscent of the old Baguio-country feel made distinct with the contemporary touch.

Moreover, the facility will feature a cabin-inspired retail building set against majestic pine trees and lush natural terrain and showcases and celebrate an experienced and lifestyle that Baguio has always longed for.