Westborough: The new upscale neighborhood south of Manila

MANILA, Philippines - ­­A 33- hectare master planned joint venture project by Alveo Land and Cathay Land rises in the south of Manila—Westborough. This leisure, dining, and retail district along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay-Silang growth corridor is expected to become a new hub of nearby residents and office workers with its upscale open retail concept.

Westborough will feature three commercial areas—Westborough Commercial Strips, Westborough Town Center and Westborough Park Square. Attuned to the South’s refreshing environs, about 40 percent of the latter two phases’ total land area will be dedicated to open and landscaped spaces.

Lots were designed for SMEs, start-ups and for private investors seeking a suburban setting for their products and services. Among possible commercial uses are for specialty stores, restaurants, cafes, offices, hotels and other commercial establishments.

Affluent residential neighborhoods such as Ayala Westgrove Heights, South Forbes and Wedgewood are a stone’s throw distance and Nuvali, Ayala Land’s fast-expanding community is a quick 15-minute drive. Laguna Technopark, with over 101,000 employees, is also nearby.

Westborough has nearly sold out since its launch in 2013, with an average price of P30,000 per sqm.  So far, the Alveo Land – Cathay Land partnership has sold 85 percent of total commercial lot inventory in the district amounting to P3.89 billion.

“Investors realized that Westborough already has a captive market of about 6,500 households. The close proximity to Laguna Technopark and various business establishments and institutions around the area ensure that this is a vibrant location for commercial use,” said Paulo Ong, division manager for the Project Development Group of Alveo Land.

Westborough Commercial Strips, the outermost area of the district, is readily accessible through the South Boulevard road and will be designed in a way that creates an easy passage for bikers and pedestrians from nearby communities.

The Westborough Town Center is highlighted by a small lake surrounded by shops in a sprawling outdoor setting. A family-oriented merchant mix of upscale al fresco dining and retail options will make it a destination shopping experience. The area also has a supermarket and an activity park, a perfect venue for community-building and hosting events like weekend markets, bazaars or seasonal activities.

The final phase of the development, Westborough Park Square, is based on a concept similar to the highly successful Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig but with more suburbanized surroundings. Shops will surround the linear park with arcaded walkways for pedestrian comfort. Westborough Park Square was launched last December and was sold-out during its first day of selling. Commercial lots sold were at an average of 636 sqm.

With construction ongoing in the district, Ong said the development is on track for its scheduled completion. Westborough Town Center is scheduled for turnover by Q1 2017, while Westborough Park Square will follow on Q4 2018.

Westborough is the first joint venture between Alveo Land Corp. and Cathay Land Inc. Alveo Land is the innovative property development arm of real estate giant Ayala Land. Its partner Cathay Land is the developer of South Forbes Golf City, and is the distinguished real estate arm of the Cathay Group of Companies.