Carmelray: A catalyst for progress in Laguna
The City of Calamba in Laguna is a prominent choice for industries looking to expand their business operations. This premier industrial hub is also an attractive property hotspot for those who want to live urban life at a more peaceful pace.
One of the prominent players in the city is the Carmelray Group, which has built mixed-use industrial, residential and commercial developments in Calamba. These developments have contributed significantly to the economic growth and land development in Laguna.
Thriving parks
Carmelray has two thriving industrial parks in Calamba.
These industrial parks, which are classified as special economic zones by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), are important factors in the property portfolio of Carmelray. These are home to 130 locators that give employment to 60,000 people and contribute significantly to the economic activities in the city.
Carmelray has also developed flourishing residential communities and immersive commercial and leisure spaces in the province, where several educational institutions have also built their campuses.
The first industrial park of Carmelray was developed in 1990. It has an area of 330 hectares and has 61 industrial locators from six countries. Most of the locators in Carmelray Industrial Park 1 are in the food, chemicals, and electronics industries.
Carmelray Industrial Park 2, meanwhile, was developed in partnership with Jurong Town Corp. of Singapore in 1997. It was fully acquired by Carmelray in 2015. This park has an area of 140 ha and hosts 69 industrial locators from 13 countries, mostly in the fabricated metal, electronics, and plastic products industries.
Residential communities
In 2019, Rockwell Land launched its joint venture with Carmelray with a residential neighborhood that represented Rockwell’s first premium horizontal development. It has Rockwell’s staple elements: signature open spaces, lush greenery, verdant landscaping, well-appointed amenities, and quality finishes.
The 63-ha Rockwell South at Carmelray is located in Carmelray Industrial Park 1 and is surrounded by schools, hospitals, churches, and retail establishments. There are also various retail and leisure options to suit every member of the family.
Other partnerships
Meanwhile, the first Carmelray residential community developed in partnership with Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. was the Carmel Ridge Residential Estates. Launched in 2004, it has an area of 45 ha and is located at Carmelray Industrial Park 2.
Another Carmelray residential community is Morningfields at Carmeltown, also developed in partnership with Sta. Lucia Realty. It was launched in 2006 and occupies 50 ha within Carmelray Industrial Park 1.
Commercial developments
The Junction, a commercial development that pays homage to the heritage of old Canlubang, was completed in 2017. It provides a safe and open environment that focuses on artistry, nature, and heritage. There are several dining options and activity places here and the place also hosts events and festivals.
Another leisure space in the area is the Mills Country Club, an exclusive sports and leisure club developed in partnership with Sta. Lucia Realty in 2009. It is located at Carmelray Industrial Park 1 next to Morningfields at Carmeltown. The club’s amenities include an 8-lane bowling center, swimming pool, gym, covered badminton courts and basketball court, tennis courts, ballroom, sauna, jacuzzi, and massage rooms.
The progress of these developments in Canlubang contribute to the economic advancement and growing population of Calamba City. It’s exciting to see how this thriving area will further develop in the future.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, carmelray.com, calambacity.gov.ph, rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com, thejunctionatcarmelray.com