Ayala Land Inc., the real estate arm of the Ayala Group, is set to open the first phase of Ayala Malls Arca South in December as part of the ongoing development of the 74-hectare Arca South estate in Taguig City.

“The first phase is launching at the end of the year, and it will be a reflection of a new way of thinking about what community centers are, most especially destination centers,” ALI head of leasing and hospitality group Mariana Zobel de Ayala said on Tuesday.

“We envision Ayala Malls Arca South as the ultimate destination marketplace — fresh produce, flowers and plants, crafts, pa-luto, and coffee roasteries — all anchored on the best of the Philippines. If we succeed, it will be a place people will go out of their way to travel to,” she added.

Next business district

The mall will serve as the commercial and lifestyle center of the estate, which is positioned to become Metro Manila’s next major business district. It will feature a mix of global and local retail brands, dining concepts, entertainment spaces and civic areas within a walkable layout.

The mall will include a food hall, a market hall with cook-to-order regional delicacies, and a dedicated coffee hub with working pods for professionals.

Arca South also hosts six residential developments from Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, and Avida, including Arbor Lanes and Gardencourt Residences. Other key components of the estate include the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Landers Superstore, The Arca South Pitch, and the soon-to-open The Blue Leaf events venue.

Connectivity will be boosted by the upcoming Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange, which will link the estate to the Skyway, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway.