Integrated urban township developer Megaworld is about to start site work on its first project in the north, Capital Town in San Fernando City.

On a 35.6ha property once owned by Pampanga Sugar Development Company (Pasudeco), the development will feature shophouses.

“The plan is to have a good mix of office and commercial properties so we can provide jobs and help decongest Manila,” says Megaworld Pampanga VP for sales and marketing Eugene Em Lozano. Its shophouse lots will enable entrepreneurs to build and grow their businesses.

Capital Town will also have a mall and retail hubs, as well as residential towers, civic and institutional offerings such as an amphitheater and events trade hall, and a hotel.

Its 6ha shophouse district will highlight neoclassical architecture with Art Deco details, reflective of Pampanga’s historic rows of heritage houses.

“We will be selling lots to those who want to build their businesses, and at the same time live there. The first and second levels can be dedicated to the business, while the third level can be used as their residence,” says Lozano.

Shophouse lot sizes range from 276 to 680 sqm, and some will include alfresco areas for cafes or restaurants.

“In 10 years, Pampanga will see a CBD that is not only a showcase of emerging businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, but also a center for local arts and culture,” says Lozano.

“We want the City of San Fernando not just to be a destination hub for day tours or passing tourists, but as a liveable city,” says mayor Edwin Santiago.