On the island of Luzon, 120 kilometres north of Manila, the Philippine capital, a 9,450 ha smart city is being built.

The project, known as New Clark City, will have government buildings, college campuses, solar farms, as well as commercial and residential structures.

Additionally, New Clark City will have a "R&D-driven industrial park focusing on innovative sectors," according to Singapore-based developer Surbana Jurong, as well as a commercial district that will contain "national government departments, an agro-industrial park, and an international food market."

In order to cut down travel time between New Clark City and Manilla to one hour, the city will feature designated pedestrian and bicycle lanes as well as a rail link.

Transport links will also link the city to Clark International Airport and the proposed Subic-Clark Railway System.

The first of the four phase development cycle is due to be completed in 2021.

Initial work on the project began in April 2016. A memorandum of understanding was signed earlier this year to cement the full development of the scheme as a public-private partnership. Those involved include the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation and firms Aecom, Nippon Koei and Philkoei International.

Wong Heang Fine, Surbana Jurong’s group chief executive, said: "We will leverage over 50 years of urban and infrastructure development expertise and our global capabilities to manage the development of the city, and help the Philippine government bring this vision to reality.

"The transformation of New Clark City will bring about sustainable growth and create jobs locally, and ultimately bring about long-lasting economic and social benefits for the country."