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The Philippines plans ecological smart city for central Luzon

A 9,450ha smart city is being planned for the Philippine island of Luzon, 120km north of capital city Manila.

Called New Clark City, the development will include government institutions, university campuses, solar farms, and industrial and residential buildings.

New Clark City will also feature what Singapore-based developer Surbana Jurong describes as an "R&D-driven industrial park focusing on innovative industries" and a business centre that will house "national government agencies, an agro-industrial park and an international food market".

The city will have dedicated pedestrian lanes and bicycle lanes and a rail link connecting New Clark City to Manilla, with the aim of reducing travel time between the cities to one hour.

Transport links will also link the city to Clark International Airport and the proposed Subic-Clark Railway System.

The first of the four phase development cycle is due to be completed in 2021.

Initial work on the project began in April 2016. A memorandum of understanding was signed earlier this year to cement the full development of the scheme as a public-private partnership. Those involved include the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation and firms Aecom, Nippon Koei and Philkoei International.

Wong Heang Fine, Surbana Jurong’s group chief executive, said: "We will leverage over 50 years of urban and infrastructure development expertise and our global capabilities to manage the development of the city, and help the Philippine government bring this vision to reality.

"The transformation of New Clark City will bring about sustainable growth and create jobs locally, and ultimately bring about long-lasting economic and social benefits for the country."

Images courtesy of Surbana Jurong

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