BAA USA to bid for developer contract at Cleveland

Tina Milton

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BAA USA plans to bid for the 15-year retail development lease at Cleveland Hopkins International airport

BAA USA plans to enter the bidding race for a retail developer at Cleveland Hopkins International airport after a request for proposals document was released last month. The airport is searching for a company to develop and manage its retail concessions and the deadline for proposals is August 31.

The winner of the contract will be awarded a 15-year lease, with the initial period of 10 years for the food and beverage concession beginning after the current lease expires on January 15 2009, and 10 years for the retail merchandise concession on August 31 2007, with an option to extend for five years. The lease includes about 66,000sq ft (6,133sq m) of concession, storage and administrative space located in the passenger terminal building. The concession space will be sublet to local, disadvantaged businesses and national companies.

BAA USA vice-president and regional director Mark Knight said: “It’s an interesting opportunity as the airport acts as a mini-hub for Continental Airlines.”

The news comes as Knight reported strong retail sales across BAA USA’s portfolio. “This week we have enjoyed particularly good business at Pittsburgh because of the US Open [golf tournament].”