Friday, October 24, 2008 Robinsons accepts lease applications
GOKONGWEI-owned Robinsons Place-General Santos is now accepting lease applications as the two-storey mall opens first half of 2009.
At a reported cost of P2 billion, it will house the company’s flagship stores like the Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliance, Robinsons Movie World, Handyman Do It Best, boutiques, food court, restaurants, amusement center, bookstore and drugstore, an advertising streamer posted at the construction site said.
Development of the property started about five months ago through Robinsons Land Corp., a firm within JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei family.
"This is one of the biggest investments in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines in recent years. Its construction has just started," Avel O. Manansala, city hall media chief, confirmed.
Located in an 8.5 hectare property acquired by the Gokongweis many years ago along J. Catolico St. in Lagao district, the mall has finally been constructed after several years of delay apparently due to the security threats such as bomb attacks in this city.
"It will be remembered that years ago, before a series of bombings rocked the city, they were set on starting this project by applying for a building permit. Unfortunately, due to the barbaric incidents, they held off," Manansala recalled.
Mayor Pedro B. Acharon Jr., said that Robinsons will enjoy tax incentives since mall operations has been listed as one of the "investment priority areas" under the city's new investment code.
The entry of Robinsons in General Santos City will augur well for the local economy and this is also a manifestation of investors' confidence in the local government and residents of the city, the mayor added.
Once in commercial operation, Robinsons will bring to three the large malls in General Santos City, the other two being in operations for years are Gaisano Mall and KCC Mall.
Robinsons, which is expected to employ 700 personnel once functional, is just a walking distance to the two existing malls.
The city, in recent years, has been adjudged twice as the "Most Competitive City" by the Asian Institute of Management.
For lease inquiries, interested parties may inquire through email addresses gensan.lease@robinsonsland.com or customer.care@robinsonsland.com. (BSS)
