Talisay mulls converting public market into mall

THE Talisay City Government is on the process of converting its existing public market into a mall which is being opposed by some tenants and small businesses.

The tenants have expressed fears of possible dislocation and the sure increase in rental rates if the project pushes through.

It is unavoidable that when this public market is converted into a mall, these small businessmen must live up to the standards imposed by the mall owner in terms of goods and services they will sell and offer, including capitalization, a businessman said.

He cited a local baker who currently rents P650 per month at the public market. The baker can never be assured that the same rate will be enjoyed once the mall is operational, he said.

Based on the plan, the ground floor will still be the market area while the other floors will be set aside to other locators or businesses like food chains and other retailers.

The affected stakeholders still need more assurances and consultations that such plan won't badly affect their livelihood.

Big investors like Ayala and Robinsons have expressed intention to develop such project under a public private partnership scheme.

Businessmen were invited to a dialogue on Tuesday at Talisay City Hall about the said project that is up to improve the business climate and tourism direction of the city.

PPP project director Girlie Santos spoke before store owners and representatives about the said project that will involve an approximately P200 to P400 million investment to be infused by the private investor.

The development of a mall will house the existing market vendors and store owners numbering 500 local businesses.

Santos added that, as to the construction of a mall, the only counter part of the city is the lot property while the investor will be given the right to operate it for 20 years, depending on what will be agreed upon, including profit sharing, by the private investor and the local government of Talisay.

The public market is located at the heart of Talisay. If a mall is constructed in the area, it will change the economic landscape of Talisay. (Teresa D. Ellera)