BSP eyes green design for new complex
THE CENTRAL BANK is looking for consultants for its new security plant complex in New Clark City to help design a “modern, green” facility for seven months starting October, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.
“The New BSP Complex Design Competition will enable the central bank to benefit from multiple design ideas for the construction of its iconic, smart, green, and modern facility at New Clark City,” Mr. Diokno said.
“The proposed project design should be sustainable and incorporate Green Building measures to promote efficient use of resources such as power, water, and materials. These are intended to foster the health of its occupants and to protect the environment,” he said in an online briefing on Tuesday.
The contest has two stages: the eligibility screening and shortlisting; and submission of technical and financial proposals and conceptual design.
Mr. Diokno said the construction process for the facility is expected to start by the second quarter of 2022.
The complex will be built on a 31-hectare land that will house the central bank’s executive offices and facilities for currency and security documents production, information technology, security, training, wellness, and sports activities. An academic building, the BSP’s research academy, and a museum will also be constructed within the complex.
“The estimated cost for the development of the construction of the complex will be determined after the approval of the design drawings,” Mr. Diokno said.
The BSP said the winning bidder will be awarded a contract for the design of the facility in accordance with Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Mr. Diokno said the procurement for the architectural and engineering consultancy design for this project has already started.
“I estimate that it will take about three months for the awarding of the contract, so by October this year, the design consultant is expected to be on board. He will be required to complete the design in seven months,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Diokno said the BSP has yet to decide what will happen to its current security plant complex in Quezon City.
“On the Security Plant [in Quezon City], a task force has been created to study what we want to do with that security complex. We could retain it, we could sell it, or we could join the development with a private sector,” he said.
The central bank’s upcoming complex in New Clark City will be a “contingency plan” in case of an earthquake or a typhoon or other events that could affect the operations of the BSP’s main office in Roxas Boulevard and the security plant in Quezon City, Mr. Diokno said.
The project is in line with the government’s vision to decongest Metro Manila by transferring some administration facilities in New Clark City.
In January, the central bank signed a contract with the Bases Conversions and Development Authority to lease the land for its new complex for a period of 50 years. The BSP will have the option to renew this for another 25 years upon agreement. — L.W.T. Noble
