NEWARK – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Westfield, joined by city officials and airport and airline partners, today unveiled Liberty Terrace, the $3.5 million transformation of the old food courts at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminals A and B. Serving as the terminal's gateway to the post-security concourses, the redevelopment, which includes a major overhaul of the dining experience at Terminal B and a lighter refresh in Terminal A, will serve approximately 15 million travelers each year – nearly half the airport's travelers. Among Liberty Terrace's key features is a new pop-up shop spearheaded by Westfield featuring rotating retail concepts.

Inspired by the meandering path of an urban park, Liberty Terrace invites travelers in to dine, relax and recharge through naturally inspired design elements paired with soft lighting, plentiful charging outlets and a unique collection of seating ranging from modern banquettes to bar-height tables to dine, work and socialize. Blending urban, linear elements like metals and concrete with organic patterns and soft lines, a focal point of the new design is a 250 foot chain wall mimicking the fluid, dynamic flow of air. The floor design tiles resemble a boardwalk akin to the iconic pedestrian walkways located along New Jersey's shoreline.

The food and beverage spaces within the food courts have been redesigned over the past two years, but the existing food court environment that was constructed in 1973 was last refurbished approximately 14 years ago.  Construction of the project kicked off in August and occurred at night during non-operating hours in order to provide customers with uninterrupted service. All existing dining concepts pre-redevelopment remain in place.

“With a premium variety of restaurants and shops at Newark Liberty International Airport, travelers get a unique experience that mixes local products with national brands,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Deb Gramiccioni.  “The new design features some of the very best that New Jersey has to offer in terms of handcrafted products and works by local entrepreneurs and artisans.  It's a great opportunity to support local enterprises.”

“With another busy holiday travel season underway, we're excited for millions of travelers at Newark to experience a new and inviting urban oasis in which to dine and relax at Liberty Terrace,” said Dominic Lowe, Executive Vice President, Westfield. “Vibrant lighting and design features such as comfortable seating alternatives and ample charging outlets create a modern and inviting environment.”

Newark Liberty's Terminal A is comprised of 28 gates, and Terminal B is comprised of 24 gates. In 2013, the airport served 35 million passengers, 15.2 million of which passed through Terminals A or B.

Pop-Up Shop First of its Kind at EWR

Featuring unique locally-sourced art and regional goods such as handcrafted jewelry, apparel, literature and keepsakes, the inaugural pop-up shop concept, Jersey Bound, showcases the artistry and creativity of New Jersey artisans and entrepreneurs to travelers from around the world.

Spearheaded by Westfield, Jersey Bound is a pilot project in partnership with Newark Bound magazine, Newark Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Green Distribution, Spectrum Works, Omni Distribution and Union Wear. At 130 SF, the wall shop – a first of its kind at Newark Liberty – enables local entrepreneurs to foray into airport retail at a minimal investment.

“We are continually finding ways to innovate, and with the huge popularity of pop-up shops at Westfield's streetside developments worldwide, it was only natural to introduce them into the airport environment,” said Lowe. “Particularly around the busy holiday shopping season, we are thrilled to give consumers access to local, seasonal boutiques like Jersey Bound while provide emerging businesses with a low-cost high-reward airport retail opportunity.”

“We are thrilled that visitors to the region will have the option to get their Jersey on at the Jersey Bound store,” said Michael Davidson, Executive Director, Greater Newark Convention & Visitor Bureau. “Newark is a happening place and travelers will be able pick up the latest New Jersey gear and goodies, all of which were made right here in the Garden State.”

About Westfield

As part of its global portfolio, Westfield designs, develops, owns, manages and leases award-winning shopping venues in landmark cities around the world. Among the company's iconic retail destinations are Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in the U.K., Westfield San Francisco Centre, and Westfield Century City. Upcoming world-class retail icons include Westfield World Trade Center (opening in 2015) and Westfield Milan in Italy.

Transforming the customer experience in airports across the U.S., Westfield creates cutting-edge environments celebrated for capturing each city's distinct style and spirit through innovative design, sophisticated dining, luxury retail and world-class amenities. Westfield has earned more than 100 first place awards from Airport Revenue News (ARN) and Airports Council International North America (ACI). Current developments include JFK, LAX, Newark, George Bush Houston Intercontinental, Boston Logan, Orlando, Miami and Chicago O'Hare airports.

# # # #