Brazilian operator Floripa Airport plans to introduce up to 35 new retail and F&B units at Florianópolis International Airport’s Boulevard 14/32 leisure complex when it opens alongside the new terminal on 1 October, TRBusiness has learned.

Situated in front of the entrance to the new terminal, the R$20m ($4.9m) mixed use Boulevard development covers 11,000sq m of indoor and open public areas featuring shopping, entertainment and dining options. The commercial area itself occupies 3,500sq m.

Floripa Airport, a subsidiary of Swiss concessionaire Zurich Airport, launched Boulevard 14/32 earlier this month.

CENTRAL PLAZA

The architectural onus is being placed on crafting ‘a contemporary, comfortable and humanised’ space, one which provides ‘unforgettable experiences to its visitors’, according to the operator.

A covered central plaza with a stage joins gastronomy, shopping, entertainment and service areas.

The $4.9m mixed use development spans 11,000sq m of indoor and open public areas and features shopping, entertainment and dining options. Source: Floripa.

Design cues emphasise a ‘dynamic, wide and cool space,’ which is flexible and environmentally aware, with a wood-look lining and central roofs creating an abundance of natural light supported by dynamic textures and colours.

The 14/32 designation relates to the compass positioning of the runway that indicates when takeoffs and landings occur.

Tobias Markert, CEO, Floripa Airport said: “Around the world, airports have expanded their structures for leisure and service spaces. And this, for two reasons: for the passengers, it becomes a place already in the way, which guarantees economy of time; and for the general population, represents an option with excellent quality, easy access and [is] always open.”

TENDER RESULT IMMINENT…

Separately, TRBusiness understands Floripa Airport is finalising retail contracts for the new R$550m ($134.1m) passenger terminal, which spans 49,000sq m and has the capacity to handle 8m passengers per year.

In October, the operator launched a commercial tender for 44 packages (including 32 retail shops, 16 restaurants and other services) spanning over 4,000sq m.

A launch event for Boulevard 14/32 held on 8 May at the new terminal’s check-in lounge gathered approximately 200 guests, including businesses and press. Source: Floripa/RicardoWolffenbuttel.

The winners were due to be announced in January, but the announcement has been pushed back.

Markert had previously told TRBusiness: “This is one of the biggest commercial airport tenders in Brazil and we are very enthusiastic about this opportunity. Our proposal is to change the airport of Florianópolis into a ‘place to be’, with a mix of stores, restaurants and services that offer an unforgettable experience to our visitors.”

To view a flyby of the new terminal, click here.

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