Clark eyed as new nat’l training center site

A 50-hectare property in Clark, Pampanga, is being eyed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as site of the new national training center that will replace the decades-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

“We have two options on how we can generate funds for the construction of the new sports complex,” said PSC chair Richie Garcia yesterday. “But first we have to have a location.”

Garcia explained that an agreement with the City of Manila to sell RMSC is the initial plan of action. If it doesn’t pan out, the PSC chief said the next move is to encourage private firms to invest directly into the P3.5-billion project.

“Let’s make sure that we have a location,” said Garcia.  “We’re looking at finalizing a deal with Manila within the year as a first option. The second option is to call a meeting with the private sector on how they will partner with us for this project.”

He said he will inspect the site on Thursday along with POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. and cut a deal with the proprietor of the land.

“We’ve already drafted a formal letter of interest,” said Garcia.  “We will go there and finalize the agreement. From there, we create the blueprint and show it to possible investors.”

Situated along Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz), the 9.3-hectare RMSC has a market value of at least P8 billion with several real estate developers already expressing interest to acquire the prime property.

“I’ve talked with Mr. Cojuangco  and he told me that Manila is very interested. There are many interested buyers,” said Garcia.

Aside from a track oval, the complex will house the dormitories of the athletes and several training venues for various sports, including a two-kilometer man-made lake for water sports such as rowing, canoeing and dragon boat racing.

Garcia said the entire complex may be completed in six months using prefabricated materials and by hiring multiple contractors.