Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is making a bold move to strengthen its presence in the Visayas—and at the heart of this expansion is a brand-new mall in Cebu. Notably, the development will house the region’s very first IKEA store, which marks a significant step in ALI’s strategy to grow its recurring-income portfolio beyond Metro Manila.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ayala Malls officially announced the upcoming launch of Ayala Malls Gatewalk, scheduled for December 2026. The new retail destination will be situated within the Gatewalk estate in Mandaue City, a rapidly growing urban hub.
A Lifestyle Destination with Impressive Scale
Once completed, the project will add approximately 56,000 square meters of retail and lifestyle space to Ayala Land’s expanding mall network. Furthermore, the four-level, fully air-conditioned complex is designed to offer more than just shopping. It will be seamlessly connected to an office tower and a public transport hub, thereby serving the needs of nearby residents, office workers, and tourists alike.
IKEA Takes Center Stage
Without a doubt, one of the most exciting features of Ayala Malls Gatewalk is the inclusion of IKEA. The Swedish home furnishings giant will occupy around 4,000 square meters, offering its complete range of home products to consumers in one of the country’s fastest-growing regional markets. Consequently, Cebuano shoppers will no longer need to travel to Manila for the full IKEA experience.
More Than Just IKEA
In addition to the flagship IKEA store, the mall will also host a diverse mix of international and local brands. Shoppers can look forward to new dining concepts, a Shopwise supermarket, and two modern cinemas. Moreover, the development will feature a central outdoor courtyard complete with a large-scale play element, as well as the ARTrium—an interactive digital art hallway located at the main entrance.
A New Frontier in Retail
According to Paul Birkett, Chief Operating Officer of Ayala Malls, this project reflects a strategic shift toward creating destinations that go beyond traditional retail centers.
“Ayala Malls Gatewalk represents a new frontier in retail for us,” Birkett explained. “It is aligned with our vision to create spaces that are not just commercial centers but truly experiential and deeply connected to the communities they serve.”
Birkett also emphasized that Cebu continues to be a key growth market for the company. He added that the arrival of IKEA strongly underscores Ayala Land’s confidence in the province’s long-term economic potential.
A Milestone for ALI’s Visayas Expansion
Meanwhile, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality at ALI, described the project as a major milestone for the property giant’s expansion in the Visayas.
She noted that the opening of Ayala Malls Gatewalk—together with IKEA’s entry into Cebu—reflects ALI’s long-term commitment to this fast-growing region. Ultimately, she said, the goal is to build integrated developments that genuinely support local communities.
Part of a Broader Strategy
It is also worth noting that this project forms part of ALI’s wider effort to expand its recurring-income businesses. These include malls, offices, hotels, and other commercial assets. Therefore, once completed, Ayala Malls Gatewalk is expected not only to enhance Cebu’s retail and lifestyle landscape but also to support the continued growth of Gatewalk as a major urban center in the Visayas.
