SM Offices, the Philippine office development arm of SM Prime Holdings, is constructing a new office tower in Quezon City that will provide 31,000 sq m of leasable space. For the building and architecture sector, the project demonstrates continued investment in workplace developments integrated with major transport infrastructure in Metro Manila.

ABS-CBN News reported that the planned North Tower 3 will form part of the SM North EDSA complex and has secured accreditation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, enabling qualified occupiers to benefit from tax incentives and other business perks.

The new building will expand SM Offices' presence within one of the country's largest mixed-use estates. The company said the development is intended to provide businesses with additional options for locating operations in Quezon City.

North Tower 3 will be directly connected to the future North Triangle Unified Grand Central Station, a transport hub designed to integrate LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3, MRT Line 7 and the Metro Manila Subway. The planned interchange is expected to improve access between the office development and destinations across Metro Manila.

SM Offices highlighted changing occupier requirements as companies reassess where they establish and grow their operations. The business said organisations increasingly consider accessibility, operational efficiency and resilience when evaluating office locations.

Alexis Ortega, head of SM Offices, said: “Companies today are becoming more intentional about where they locate their operations. Aside from office space, they are looking for environments that help improve efficiency, accessibility and overall business resilience.”

He added: “The synergy between SM Prime’s ecosystem and Quezon City’s business-friendly climate makes a compelling case for locators. Removing day-to-day friction allows them to focus on long-term growth.”

SM Offices currently operates buildings in Taguig, Clark, Fairview, Ortigas and other locations. The company also announced earlier this year that it plans to add more than 60,000 sq m of leasable office space in Cebu City by the fourth quarter.

The latest investment adds to SM Prime's strategy of expanding its office portfolio in key growth areas while capitalising on connections to transport infrastructure and established commercial districts. North Tower 3 is expected to strengthen the office offering within the SM North EDSA estate as businesses continue to seek locations that combine workplace facilities with access to retail, transport and services.

Learn more about the planned North Tower 3 development by visiting the full report.