Carbon Gets More Than a Facelift

Photo Credit: Megawide

Megawide’s Carbon redevelopment project aims to help jumpstart Cebu’s economy and offer a unique cultural, shopping, and lifestyle experience for visitors

Megawide Construction Corporation, the engineering and infrastructure conglomerate behind the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, has big dreams for Cebu City.

While most investors are hedging their bets because of the pandemic and have put big-ticket projects on indefinite hold, Megawide is pushing ahead. On March 24, company and city officials broke ground on the redevelopment of the city’s iconic Carbon District.

“The Carbon Market and its adjoining districts are some of the most economically and culturally significant locations in all Cebu. We hope to help jumpstart the recovery of Cebu’s economy after the pandemic by improving the market’s existing infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient experience while bringing its historical and cultural value to the fore,” said Louie Ferrer, Megawide’s Managing Director for Transport.

“Through the new market facility and expanded attractions, we aim to attract more investors to Cebu and encourage the growth of the local economy. Its development will certainly open more jobs and facilitate ease of business for our vendors and suppliers,” he continued.

For Megawide, this project promotes its vision of a First-World Philippines across the country not just in terms of engineering and construction but, more importantly, in terms of uplifting the livelihood and promoting inclusive growth for Cebuanos.

This development will also expand the Company’s transit-oriented development portfolio and further cement its commitment to the province of Cebu.

Shopping and Cultural District

The joint venture seeks to redevelop Carbon into a shopping and cultural district that uplifts the quality of experience for vendors, business owners, transport operators and the public. It also encourages the growth of tourism and local entrepreneurship.

When completed, the new Carbon Market will have a total of six blocks, developed in phases, with each block housing diverse retail, F&B, leisure, and service features. Among the highlights are a first-class Carbon Public Market, Wholesalers’ Hub, Lifestyle Village, Boqueria, and the Premier Galleria & Airport City Check-In.

The proposed development will also feature a waterfront activity plaza, a 24/7 Market, and the Sto. Nino Chapel and Park, watched over by a figure of the Sto. Nino de Cebu.

Ease of access: water taxi and in-city check-in to MCIA

With the development of an integrated transport hub, the project ensures ease of access to Carbon. The hub will house all modes of land transportation as well as a new ferry terminal that will allow passengers to take a water taxi through the channel to Mactan Island and connect directly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The water taxi has long been eyed by local governments of Cebu as a way to help spare the public from traffic congestion.

The development will also feature an in-city check-in facility, similar to those in Hong Kong and Japan, where travelers can conveniently check-in their luggage and still enjoy Carbon hours before their flight before connecting seamlessly to the airport.

When completed as scheduled, Cebu will have the first In-City Check-In facility in the Philippines.

“Prolonged travel time to and from the downtown area has often been a deterrent for locals and tourists alike, that is why we are prioritizing transport solutions that will enable the public to save time and experience a hassle-free journey,” explained Ferrer.

Cebu-inspired architecture

The architectural design draws from imagery unique to Cebu. Wood is a predominant design material in the proposed development, with each building accented by weaving patterns and textures that celebrate Cebu’s world-renown weaving and furniture-making industry.

With low-rise structures, the entire development has an open and sprawling feel that evokes memories of old Cebu.

One of the highlights is the main entrance to the 24/7 Market designed in the shape of the puso, Cebu’s famous hanging rice, which will greet visitors as they enter the block.

“Our proposal was conceptualized with the needs and cultural identity of Cebu in mind. We will continue our consultations with Carbon Market’s primary stakeholders and the people of Cebu so that we can deliver a first-world commercial and tourist destination that they would be proud to call their own,” Ferrer said.

As private sector partner, Megawide will invest P5.5 billion for phase one and make a yearly guaranteed payment to the local government.