Monday, December 03, 2007 Conversion of fountain area into children's playground
AYALA Center Cebu (ACC) reveals a new concept that would replace the fountain area together with the refurbishment of the activity center.
Like a sweet note to this project, last Nov. 29 there was an unveiling of an eight-meter-high “chocolate fondant cake” created by Marissa Unchuan. It is made of Styrofoam painted with chocolate. Some of the cherries are covered with fondant icing. The cake, located in the fountain area near the Ayala Activity Center (AAC), will be there until the end of the year.
How important is the fountain?
It was conceptualized as an indoor water feature to provide a relaxing environment around the mall. But shoppers started to value it as a wishing well, or a converging point, or a venue for bonding activities with friends and loved ones. It therefore served its purpose beyond the intent of its creation.
By the first quarter of 2008, work will begin on converting the fountain area into a children’s play area.
Joy Polloso, ACC head for marketing and business development, said they hope to complete the construction of the play area by the middle of 2008 side by side with the renovation of the activity area.
“We will change the layout of the staircase and make the activity area more open,” Polloso said.
Other plans. This change is part of the whole enhancement plan, which includes the renovation of the lagoon area, set to open by midyear 2008 as a dining and entertainment area.
“We are now in the process of leasing out the lagoon,” Polloso said.
Bong Dy, operations manager of ACC, said the lagoon area will accommodate over 50 tenants. A five-level parking area at the back of the Cebu City Marriott Hotel will open, possibly before the middle of next year.
These changes are part of Ayala’s aim to strengthen its link with shoppers, who can expect more signature events, celebrities, international artists, and world-class gigs after the renovation.
