BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez recently announced plans to develop a pedestrian mall on Ferrero St. in front of the now demolished Manokan Country and SM City Bacolod.
THE city government is planning to build a pedestrian mall on Ferrero St. in front of the now demolished and soon-to-be upgraded Manokan Country in Bacolod City. (Glazyl Masculino)
A budget of P50 million has been allocated for the project, according to Benitez.
Benitez said that the conversion of Ferrero St. into a pedestrian mall aims to boost economic activity, potentially transforming the area into a night market.
He said that vehicles will be allowed to pass through the street during daytime and closed at night.
Benitez said that the Market Board will decide which vendors can operate in the area.
He added that a dome will be installed and ambulant vendors will be invited to participate in the new venture.
Benitez plans to apply for an exemption from the Commission on Elections for the project.
He assured that Manokan Country remains an “intangible cultural heritage” that will be preserved.
The demolition of the structure will pave way for the P4-billion redevelopment project of the city in partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI).
He noted that SPHI has a little over a year to complete the project.
To ensure business continuity for displaced vendors, they have been relocated to temporary spaces at the mall terminal located across the old Manokan Country.
Benitez said that vendors have expressed satisfaction with the new location and has been beneficial for business during a visit early this month.