The SM Group is expanding its footprint in Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga with the construction of a P2 billion multi-modal transport terminal, a convention center, and several hotels.
In a statement, SM Investments Corporation said its integrated property in Clark is set to strengthen its links within and beyond the city with the construction of the multimodal transport terminal which began in September this year.
The transport terminal, which is being developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc. subsidiary Premiere Clark Complex, Inc. (PCCI), is seen to improve public access to and from Clark, particularly in anticipation of the NSCR station's completion, which will connect to the mall.
The multimodal terminal will not only connect to the train but will also accommodate bus routes going farther north, and other upcoming routes that can converge in Clark. It will also connect to SM City Clark’s Sky Line, making access within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
“By building a vibrant transport hub, SM aims to create a connection between Metro Manila and other cities in the northern region to promote local trade, tourism with Pampanga as a key destination,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is also set to expand its Clark portfolio, including SMX Convention Center and Park Inn. Park Inn has said there are plans to add more hotels to the complex over the next five years.
The SM group’s integrated and strategically located properties in its Clark complex (SM City Clark, SM Offices, National University, SMX Convention Center and Park Inn by Radisson Clark all located within a complex) serve as economic and cultural hubs, complementing Clark’s rapid development as a gateway to the north.
The transformation of Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga continues to provide an alternative in addressing the rapid urbanization in Metro Manila.
Clark’s evolution into a gateway destination for business and lifestyle is driven by strategic infrastructure development, a thriving tourism sector, and public-private partnerships further contributing to its growth.
“This region has steadily grown and is becoming a hub for growth. That’s why in recent years, we have supported that growth through our integrated properties to help spur economic activity for the benefit of communities where we operate,” said Tan.
From its initial foray into the Freeport in 2006, available jobs across the different SM properties in the area now contributes over 20 percent of the total jobs out of the 138,000 individuals currently employed in Clark.
In SM Offices alone, there are over 22,000 jobs across all current 10 office towers in addition to the 5,000 mall tenants in SM City Clark.
SM’s presence in Clark has evolved in accordance to the needs of the community, bringing access to quality education, and the promotion of tourism and local heritage through its integrated property development approach.
“The impact of SM in terms of integrating economic activity and investments has been consistent,” a representative from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said.
In 2023, SM City Clark ranked among the top five revenue generators, contributing six percent to CDC's total revenues.
The complex’s proximity to Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and soon the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is anticipated to boost mobility and access to and from different northern regions.