SM building SMX, expands Clark hotel

The SM Group is expected to invest at least close to P1 billion in the construction of SMX Convention Center and the expansion of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, both situated within the SM City-Clark shopping complex here, key officials said Tuesday.

Top officials of the SMX, SM City shopping complex and Park Inn also held a groundbreaking of the convention center project.

SM Group is investing nearly P1 billion in twin projects, including the SMX Convention Center and the expansion of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel within the SM City-Clark shopping complex in Clark Freeport. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony of Park Inn Hotel are Park Inn manager Ann Olalo, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president Peggy Angeles, Mabalacat Mayor Cris Garbo, SMC vice president and general manager Walid Wafik and SMX vice president for sales and marketing Agnes Pacis.

“SMX Clark will be the second stand-alone convention center after SMX Manila,” said Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Convention Corp., in a press conference held at Park Inn Hotel here.

The developments, Angeles said, would strengthen SM Hotel’s niche in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry and reinforce SMX as the country’s premier events venue.

SMX Clark will stand on a 4,000-square meter lot with two levels for the event venues and a mezzanine floor for offices. The structure will be built adjacent to Park Inn Hotel. It has three trade halls and three function rooms complemented by 14 small meeting rooms.