The site is an L-shaped 4.6 hectare lot in Balanga, Bataan with an existing 3,000 square meter terminal structure. It is bounded by Calero Street which connects the downtown plaza of Balanga with the proposed future city center site along Enrique Garcia Sr. Avenue which connects to the provincial highway. The existing terminal structure is currently one of of not the biggest structure in Balanga. It is a 3-storey structure that dwarfs most of the surrounding properties.
Current site conditions show a lack of pedestrian-oriented planning and human scale. This mechanical and alien development has created a kind of termination for Balanga’s northward expansion.
Priority is given to vehicular traffic and convenience rather than to passenger safety and comfort. This upended organizing principle coupled with the openness of the surrounding landscape has given rise to a noise-polluted and barely walk-able development. The program calls for the development of an integrated central bus and jeepney terminal for Balanga and Bataan. Together with this terminal, a convention center and commercial retail center is to be developed. A 112-room business hotel will also be developed to support these programs.
Priority is given to vehicular traffic and convenience rather than to passenger safety and comfort. This upended organizing principle coupled with the openness of the surrounding landscape has given rise to a noise-polluted and barely walk-able development. The program calls for the development of an integrated central bus and jeepney terminal for Balanga and Bataan. Together with this terminal, a convention center and commercial retail center is to be developed. A 112-room business hotel will also be developed to support these programs.
The business hotel can accommodate large functions and events. This allows the city to tap into the huge MICE tourism market. It also supports transient travelers from the terminal and business guests by providing them with convenient and reliable accommodations in Balanga.
The commercial retail center is an activity node that provides people with a destination for shopping. It increases time spent and monetizes the foot traffic from the terminal and convention. In order to attract more people and encourage longer stays , a more engaging street front should be presented along with ample desirable public spaces.
