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Denver City Council has given final approval to the Great Hall project, which involves the development of the Denver International Airport’s (DEN) Jeppesen Terminal.

The Great Hall project will greatly enhance security by moving exposed TSA screening checkpoints from level 5 to level 6, and create a new prototype for TSA that will increase passenger throughout by an estimated 50-70 percent. Today, DEN has 30 standard checkpoint lanes that accommodate about 4,500 passengers per hour. The Great Hall project will include 34 state-of-the-art automated screening lanes, which can each serve an estimated total 8,500 passengers per hour. The new checkpoints, which will be consolidated from three areas of the terminal into two, will feature increased queuing space and new technology for more effective and efficient security and an improved experience.

This project also will increase the capacity for the future, allowing the airport to grow its operations in the terminal and concourses to match increasing passenger demand.

The Great Hall project will include upgrades for the entire terminal, including escalators and elevators, restrooms and other infrastructure that is now more than 22 years old.

To achieve this vision, DEN will utilize a P3 model. The selected private-sector team, Great Hall Partners, is led by Ferrovial Aeropuertos with Saunders Concessions and Magic Johnson Enterprises/Loop Capital. The terms of the deal call for four years of design and construction (with construction beginning in the summer of 2018) followed by 30 years of operations and maintenance within specific areas of the terminal by Great Hall Partners. This type of project delivery method shifts the risk for price and schedule from the airport to the P3 team. DEN will remain in full control of the airport, while Great Hall Partners – which has expertise in designing and operating airports around the world – will manage and maintain limited concessions in defined areas of the terminal.

The anticipated cost to design and build the project will range from US$650-$770 million, which includes an airport-added contingency of US$120 million to accommodate unexpected issues or changes in TSA or airline processing in the next few years. Great Hall Partners will make a total investment of US$378 million and be paid back over time through a combination of payments from the airport and a 20 percent share of the concession revenues from new shops and restaurants. DEN will also reimburse them for operating and maintenance costs over the 30 years. DEN will keep 80 percent of the concessions revenue and 100 percent of other revenues derived from the terminal in spaces the airport will develop.

The total amount of the contract with Great Hall Partners, which includes design, construction, operations and maintenance for 30 years, is capped at US$1.8 billion.

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said:

“Denver is becoming a global city, and we must continue to invest in an airport that matches that status. This project represents what Denver has long excelled at – preparing our city for the future. The Great Hall project will address vulnerabilities, improve the passenger experience, create hundreds of new jobs and provide the capacity to match the world’s growing desire to travel to and from the Mile High City.”

Jorge Gil, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrovial Aeropuertos said:

“We are very pleased to receive the approval from Denver’s City Council to continue working with DEN to develop and implement a new Great Hall that will bring enormous benefits to the City of Denver and its community. We are grateful that our team has been entrusted with this project and are fully committed to bringing to life DEN’s vision of being America's favorite connecting hub.”