A
modern business center will soon rise at the heart of Tagbilaran as the rehabilitation
of the Agora is now underway with the possible entry of a Zamboanga-based developer
which is now complying with the contract requirements of the city government.
The
Agora business center, which is now a priority project of City Mayor Dan Lim,
was publicized for bidding in November and December last year with one interested
mall developer eyeing to win the rehabilitate-operate and transfer (ROT) contract.
This
was bared to the Chronicle by City Administrator, Archt. Walter Toston yesterday
who said the unfinished Agora building will be developed into a modern 3-storey
commercial complex that caters to high-end firms that will not duplicate and compete
with the nearby shopping centers of Alturas, Bohol Quality and Shopper's Mart.
Businesses
such as banks, entertainment and recreation centers, first-class restaurants and
commercial offices will be allowed by Mayor Lim to operate in the commercial center.
| | | Toston
said only one contractor, J.L. Apostol Co., showed interest with the agora rehabilitation
project, which was published for bidding in one of the national dailies.
In
a check made by the Chronicle, the bidder has prior experience in mall development
and operation. This is one of the major components of the ROT project.
Mayor
Lim had wanted private investors to assist in finishing the P50-million Agora
which has been criticized by the public for the earning opportunities missed due
to its idle state. The unfinished structure has also become an eyesore in the
city's main shopping district. |
According
to Toston, who also chairs the city's bids and awards committee (BAC), J.L. Apostol
has already written the city government for an extension to their compliance of
pre-bid eligibility requirements before the pre-bid conference which is slated
on January 23.
As
to the question why there is only one bidder, Toston explained the requirements
of the ROT scheme easily restrains other contractors since the Agora rehabilitation
will also require technical expertise from the developer in operating the business
center, once built, for a specified number of years.
The
city administrator said the operation of the Agora by the private contractor was
originally set at 25-years, however, Mayor Lim had advised that it should be turned
over to the city government for a shorter period.
This
particular aspect of the contract is still subject for negotiations as soon as
the bidding requirements will be finalized, according to Toston.
Without
any further delays on the part of the contractor, the awarding of the contract
is scheduled on February 8, next month with the subsequent notice to proceed with
the project.
FACTS
AND FIGURES
The
Agora rehabilitation will cost (per agency estimates) P60-million. The present
unfinished structure has already expended P50-million since its restoration was
started 10 years ago after it was razed by fire.
Toston
said the contractor does not have to make a building design since it has already
been accomplished by Toston, who is also the mayor's designated urban planner.
The
present floor area of the unfinished structure is 14,747.55 square meters but
will be trimmed down to 9,931.38 square meters (total floor area of all three
storeys) from the sides in order to provide enough parking space to its users.
Toston disclosed there will be parking spaces for over 60 vehicles while a motorcycle
parking area will also be provided.
A
separate utility parking (loading and unloading) area will be provided for utility
vehicles, such as delivery vans.
The
modern building will have service elevators and a roof deck which is planned to
be an alternative place for barbecue stalls a new version of "sky's-the-limit."
The
city government will prepare the guidelines on the type of businesses that will
be allowed to operate within the building, Toston concluded. | 
