MANDAUE CITY-- Ayala Malls is betting heavily on “wonder over predictability” with the announcement of Ayala Malls Gatewalk, a massive 56,000-square-meter retail and lifestyle destination slated to open its doors on December 16, 2026, anchored by the highly anticipated first IKEA store in the Visayas region, the development promises to transform Mandaue City into the regional "capital of fun and flavor."
The project, nestled within Ayala Land’s broader Gatewalk estate, represents a collaborative vision between Ayala Land, Ayala Malls, and IKEA Philippines to move away from purely transactional shopping and lean into deeply emotional, experiential spaces.
Ayala Land’s relationship with Cebu spans over three decades, beginning with the landmark opening of Ayala Center Cebu in 1994 and continuing through the evolution of Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Ayala Malls executives view Gatewalk as the natural next frontier, a new chapter in Ayala’s Cebu legacy.
“Malls are often the first point of connection between our customers and the Ayala brand... places where people connect, celebrate milestones, and create memories,” said Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer. “This is a new footprint for Ayala Malls, one that will help define the character of the area around it.”
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to elevating everyday Cebuano life. “Ayala Malls Gatewalk reflects the kind of places we hope to build more of: places that make daily life easier, but also more joyful. This is where everyday life gets a little more extraordinary.”
The most playful mall Ayala has ever designed
Spanning four air-conditioned levels, the mall will break traditional design molds to feel joyful, energetic, and a little larger than life. Key features driving this playful atmosphere include—the ARTrium, an interactive digital art hallway curated by Filipino artists near the main entrance, designed to give visitors a vibrant sense of arrival.
Giant Whale Shark Slide--a botany-inspired slide stretching from the highest level of the mall directly to the ground floor, paying homage to one of Cebu’s most famous natural icons.
Active Lifestyle Quarter-- a bustling wing complete with sports concepts, play areas, and two modern cinemas. Bi-Level Food Hall-- a culinary hub showcasing a curated mix of local Cebuano favorites, international formats, and experimental food concepts.
For everyday essentials, the mall also features a Shopwise supermarket to serve the daily grocery needs of the community. To maximize urban convenience, the entire complex will be seamlessly integrated with an adjacent office tower and a public transport hub.
IKEA debuts a global compact concept
For many locals, the crown jewel of the development is the arrival of Swedish home furnishings giant IKEA, marking its first location in the Philippines outside of Metro Manila.
IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro confirmed the store will span a compact 4,000 square meters—roughly the size of five basketball courts. This streamlined footprint serves as a testing ground for a new global retail format.
IKEA Gatewalk store features a total catalog access with 8,500 items via convenient ordering; immediate takeaway with 2,500 cash-and-carry products; inspiration Showcases with 41 fully curated room setups such as kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and specialized services for personalized planning for home and business storage.
Pinheiro noted that Mandaue City, widely regarded as the furniture capital of the Philippines, is the perfect gateway due to its strategic position between Cebu City and Mactan Island.
“Cebu’s growing market, strong design interest, and role as a center for home and family life make it a natural location. When I visited Mandaue for the first time, I went to the Lapu-Lapu statue in Mactan and said, ‘Lapu-Lapu, I’m Portuguese, I’m from IKEA, I come in peace.’ IKEA comes in peace,” Pinheiro said, adding with a smile.
Beyond retail, the project is poised to be a major economic driver for the province. The IKEA store alone is projected to generate approximately 100 new jobs—divided equally between 50 direct IKEA coworkers and 50 positions managed through local service partners.
Local officials have enthusiastically welcomed
the development, viewing it as a testament to Mandaue’s rapid transformation into
a dynamic, flourishing urban core. With construction progressing steadily
within the Gatewalk estate, Cebuanos can look forward to exploring this new
benchmark of retail and leisure when the doors officially swing open in December
2026. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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