SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), the mall development arm of SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), is investing more than PHP6 billion to redevelop SM Harrison Plaza on the former Harrison Plaza complex in Manila, with the flagship mall slated to open in 2027.
The project forms part of SM Prime’s PHP150-billion mall investment program for 2026 to 2030, which includes the major redevelopment of 16 existing malls and the construction of 12 to 15 new lifestyle malls.
Once completed, SM Harrison Plaza will have an estimated gross floor area of more than 200,000 square meters, comparable to flagship developments such as SM City Davao and SM City Clark.
“The development will incorporate nature-inspired architectural elements alongside open layouts, community spaces and green areas designed to support cultural and social activities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.
He added that SM Harrison Plaza will complement SM Prime’s existing mall portfolio by deepening its footprint in Manila’s cultural and entertainment district.
The development is expected to function as a mixed-use retail and lifestyle hub, extending the company’s reach to office workers, residents and students across Malate and Ermita.
The redevelopment of the Harrison Plaza, which opened in 1976 as the country’s first one-stop shopping mall, is also seen as a draw for both foreign and local tourists, given its proximity to several hotels and nearby attractions such as Manila Zoo, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, and Manila Bay.
SM Harrison will feature a balance of global brands with local retailers, reflecting Malate’s character. Tan expects the project to generate thousands of jobs during construction and long-term operations and to contribute to broader urban renewal in Manila’s city center.
