Ayala Land invests ₱12.7 billion for facelift and construction of 3 Cebu malls
Ayala Malls, the retail arm of real estate giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), is investing ₱12.7 billion for the planned redevelopment and construction of its three Cebu-based malls that will boost their economic vitality and retail prominence.
The investment is a key part of ALI’s previously announced “reimagining” of flagship and core malls, with phased rollouts from 2025 to 2028.
In Cebu, this covers flagship Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Central Bloc at Cebu IT Park, and Ayala Malls Gatewalk in Mandaue City.
This strategic deployment of capital underscores ALI’s confidence in the sustained consumer demand and economic potential of key urban centers like Cebu.
“Cebu is the economic heart of the Visayas, home to a rapidly growing urban population, a robust middle class, and rising consumer spending,” said Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer (COO) Paul Birkett.
He noted that, “Cebu (and the larger Visayas region) is experiencing unprecedented growth, and our substantial investment reflects not only our strong confidence in the region but demonstrates our commitment to elevating retail standards and ensuring that we remain relevant, resilient, and impactful for decades to come.”
Ayala Malls’ strategy in Cebu extends to a diversified portfolio, each serving distinct market segments. The flagship Ayala Center Cebu is being positioned as the premier lifestyle and luxury destination, attracting high-value consumers and international brands.
On the other hand, Ayala Malls Central Bloc will be the dynamic hub for young professionals and the business process outsourcing (BPO) workforce within Cebu IT Park, offering a curated mix of retail and dining tailored to this demographic.
Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Gatewalk will open in the last quarter of 2026, located at Gatewalk Central in Mandaue, ALI’s newest 17.5-hectare (ha) master-planned, mixed-use estate.
This upcoming mall is designed as a vibrant entertainment and dining destination. It will feature creative hubs, gaming zones, and a massive, design-forward food hall, with a 55,000-square-meter (sqm) gross leasable area (GLA) and 350 merchant spaces, expanding Ayala Malls’ reach into new growth areas and consumer segments.
Ayala Malls’ strategic footprint in the Visayas has grown, reflecting its long-term confidence in the region’s potential: Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Central Bloc, and the upcoming Ayala Malls Gatewalk in Cebu province; Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City; and Shops at Atria in Iloilo City.
“Ayala Land has always been driven by a clear mission: to build with purpose, developing spaces that drive economic activity, foster social connection, and create enduring value,” said Birkett.
He explained that, “Our malls are not merely commercial centers; they are integral components of our mixed-use estates and critical drivers of local economies.
“By creating dynamic, multi-faceted ecosystems that integrate shopping, dining, entertainment, and community spaces, Ayala Malls aims to reinforce its leadership and ensure long-term relevance in the Philippine retail sector.”