UK, BCDA to design Clark housing project

The British Embassy Manila and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to design the New Clark City Central Park and an affordable housing project in the new metropolis.

The MoU was signed by British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce and BCDA president and CEO Vince Dizon during a recent virtual ceremony.

“What is being done in Clark is pioneering and hopefully creating a model for developments elsewhere in the Philippines and the region,” said Pruce.

“It’s exciting that we face the prospects of something which is going to be clean, green, sustainable and resilient and a city that’s inclusive as well where all branches of the community and society can find their place,” he added.

New Clark City, which is envisioned as the first smart, green, sustainable and resilient metropolis in the country, was chosen as among the pilot areas of the UK Prosperity Fund Global Future Cities Program.

Phase 1A of the New Clark City project, which involved the construction of world-class sports facilities used in the 30th South East Asian Games, government buildings and residences, and a 1.4-kilometer river park, was completed last year.

Under the MoU, the UK and BCDA will work on three key areas for New Clark City, like: Participative Design for New Clark City Central Park and citywide public space recommendations; Housing Strategy and Livelihood Recommendations for Clark Special Economic and Freeport Zone and New Clark City; and the Establishment of a Sustainability Unit for New Clark City.