Chicago’s Committee on Aviation has voted for the concessions contract at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5 to be awarded to Westfield Concessions.

The long running fight over who should run the restaurants and stores at Chicago O’Hare is one step closer to being resolved after the Aviation Committee endorsed Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s recommendation for a contract with Westfield Concession Management.

Yesterday (21 July), the Committee approved an ordinance which will allow the City of Chicago to enter into a Concession Redevelopment and Management Lease Agreement with Westfield.

It will now be brought up for a vote by the full City Council at the next meeting on July 28, which should bring the matter to a close.

The agreement allows for a complete redevelopment of the concessions at Chicago O’Hare International’s Terminal 5 including the development of new food and beverage, news and gifts, specialty retail, and duty-free locations.

Chicago’s Mayor Emanuel, said: “Westfield’s proposal for the redevelopment of the Terminal 5 Concessions Program is the best deal for the city’s taxpayers.”

As part of a 20-year contract, Westfield will redevelop and manage the concessions at Terminal 5, while the City retains full ownership of the terminal and has the opportunity to terminate the agreement after 10 years, for any reason.

Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino said: “The agreement provides an excellent opportunity for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to redevelop Terminal 5 and contract with a recognised, proven industry leader to accomplish the necessary goals.”

Westfield plans to invest $26.2 million to redevelop the terminal’s concession program.