Ayala Malls signals confidence in Cebu with P12.7B investment
Ayala Malls, the retail arm of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), unveiled a strategic investment totaling P12.7 billion in three Cebu-based malls, designed to boost economic vitality and retail prominence.
The investment is a key part of Ayala Land’s previously announced “reimagining” of flagship and core malls with phased rollouts from 2025 to 2028. In Cebu, this covers flagship Ayala Center Cebu, AyalaMalls Central Bloc in Cebu IT Park, and Ayala Malls Gatewalk in Mandaue.
This strategic deployment of capital underscores Ayala Land’s confidence in sustained consumer demand and economic potential of key urban centers like Cebu.
“Cebu is the economic heart of the Visayas home to a rapidly growing urban population, a robust middle class, and rising consumer spending. Cebu (and the larger Visayas region) is experiencing unprecedented growth, and our substantial investment reflects not only our strong confidence in the region but demonstrates our commitment to elevating retail standards and ensuring that we remain relevant, resilient, and impactful for decades to come,” said Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls COO.
Diversified retail ecosystem
Ayala Malls’ strategy in Cebu extends to a diversified portfolio, each serving distinct market segments.
Ayala Center Cebu is a flagship mall positioned as the premier lifestyle and luxury destination, attracting high-value consumers and international brands, while the Ayala Malls Central Bloc is a dynamic hub for young professionals and the BPO workforce within Cebu IT Park, offering a curated mix of retail and dining tailored to this demographic.
Ayala Malls Gatewalk, targeted to open by the fourth quarter of 2026, is located in Gatewalk Central, Mandaue, Ayala Land’s newest 17.5-ha masterplanned, mixed-use estate.
This upcoming mall is designed as a vibrant entertainment and dining destination, featuring creative hubs, gaming zones, and a massive, design-forward food hall, with a 55,000 sqm GLA and 350 merchant spaces. This will expand Ayala Malls’ reach into new growth areas and consumer segments.
Long term confidence
Ayala Malls’ strategic footprint in the Visayas has grown, reflecting its long term confidence in the region’s potential: Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Central Bloc, and the upcoming Ayala Malls Gatewalk in Cebu; Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City; and Shops at Atria in Iloilo City.
Ayala Land has always been driven by a clear mission: to build with purpose, developing spaces that drive economic activity, foster social connection, and create enduring value.
Its malls are not merely commercial centers, but rather integral components of mixed-use estates and critical drivers of local economies. By creating dynamic, multi-faceted ecosystems that integrate shopping, dining, entertainment, and community spaces, Ayala Malls aims to reinforce its leadership and ensure long term relevance in the Philippine retail sector.
