Razon wants to redevelop Rizal stadium
CONVERTING the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) into a commercial center will open a revenue stream for the government and create additional jobs, according to a business group eyeing the proposed redevelopment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group of tycoon Enrique K. Razon, Jr. backed the reported plan of Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada to redevelop the 82-year old complex under the management of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The Razon Group issued the statement following reports that Mr. Estrada plans to convert RMSC into a shopping mall, a proposal that elicited an online petition addressing the mayor and President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The group has been proposing “a preservation and urban renewal project” for the sports complex originally built in 1934, reconstructed in 1953 after its destruction during the World War II and renovated in 2011.
“Since that time, the RMSC has not undergone any structural and facilities improvements or upgrading, rendering it virtually unsuitable and unsafe not only for training athletes, but especially for holding not only local but also international games,” it noted.
In its preservation plan, the Razon Group will maintain the facade as well as build a sports museum, remaining “fully cognizant that RMSC is a sports landmark and of the close association that Filipinos have for sports.”
The group proposes to construct within the facade contemporary buildings for office and commercial spaces “run by smart technologies, replete with modern amenities and green open spaces.” These will supposedly compensate for the restoration and preservation of the facade.
“With this urban renewal, Manila is expected to quickly catch up with other cities in the National Capital Region that have quickly grown and modernized. Moreover, the revitalized RMSC is expected to provide a new revenue stream for Manila, as well as create thousands of jobs,” the group noted.
Of late, the PSC has supposedly considered moving out RMSC to build the Philippine Olympic Village in Clark, among other possible locations, according to the Razon Group.
The new sports complex is envisioned as a larger and more modern training ground for national athletes and location for large sports meets. This is expected to happen when funding for the relocation is complete, according to the Razon group.
“In the meantime, the City of Manila has not had any income from the RMSC, income which could have been used to preserve the RMSC,” the group noted.
“Through all these years, no individual or group, be that government or private, has offered to re-develop the RMSC. Today, it stands derelict and a sad reminder of the Philippines’ former glory days in sports.” —