Ati-Atihan Mall of Kalibo project is feasible, says study

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The development of the so-called ‘Ati-Atihan Mall of Kalibo’ to replace the existing Kalibo Shopping Center is feasible.

The existing Kalibo Shopping Center in downtown Kalibo will be replaced with a five-storey commercial center through a built-operate-transfer partnership between the Kalibo local government and a mall operator / PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

A comprehensive feasibility study of Par Excellence Consultancy Firm, Inc. cited the project’s viability of a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BoT) scheme to construct a five-storey shopping mall in Barangay Poblacion in Kalibo, Aklan.

The ‘Ati-Atihan Mall of Kalibo’ is envisioned to better serve the constituents, attract tourists and enhance local employment and business growth. The project is also expected to provide landmark excellence and potential investment opportunities.

The estimated P800-million project cost covers 9,554 square meter rentable spaces, which involves the construction of movie houses, car parking slots, viewing deck and motorcycle parking area. 

The present Kalibo Shopping Center is a one-storey with mezzanine commercial building in a 4,822 sq.m. parcels of lots. The existing building is poorly maintained and signs of dilapidation are very noticeable. 

To date, 158 stalls operated by 69 proprietors and a corporation are occupying the shopping center. They are engaged in dry goods retailing, barbershops and beauty parlors, tailoring services, drug stores, bake shop, pawn shop, electrical supply, souvenir and gift shops, optical clinic, native products and refreshment shops.  

Plans to relocate the affected tenants in a site near the Kalibo Shopping Center are afoot with construction expected to start July 30, 2016 for 18 months. 

The new mall is scheduled for completion by February in 2018. 

Before the solicitation of bids, the project has to secure the approval of the investment coordinating committee of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The consulting firm is eyeing the Villar Group as a suitable operator for the BoT scheme under the public-private partnership with the Kalibo local government. 

Last April 10, 2014, the municipality of Kalibo through Mayor William Lachica signed a memorandum of agreement with Par Excellence Consultancy Firm, Inc.

The feasibility study covers the socio-economic, environmental impact assessment, design, technical, marketing, financial and legal basis for the development of the modern commercial shopping center.

An Initial Environment Examination (IEE) team conducted ocular visits of the site and the surrounding areas and undertook research work, meetings and interviews with Kalibo local government and officials.