Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is leading a $125 million makeover of the great hall in Terminal 8 at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hired the firm to lead a team that will upgrade the hall with 60 new tenants, including eateries, duty-free shops and a performance space. The project is part of the JFK Vision Plan for a $19 billion transformation of the airport. The terminal itself recently underwent a $400 million expansion.

The redevelopment will involve a complete redesign and expansion of the concessions program, and URW is keen to ensure the space represents the local flavor of New York City and boosts diverse operators.

The development team aims for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises to make up 30% of the design and construction vendors and for Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to make up 30% of concessions operators. An accelerator program for Queens businesses is one way they plan to achieve those goals.

URW also is working with the Green Restaurant Association to develop a food-and-beverage program with brands that value sustainable business practices.

URW has a robust airport concessions business, including contracts to manage the retail space at LAX in Los Angeles and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

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