Transforming land around an airport into a vibrant mixed-use district that delights guests

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) Advancement Study

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) welcomes millions of travelers every year. A shortage of nearby places to stay, work, and grab a bite to eat has direct impact on not only the airport’s bottom line, but also The Bahamas’ entire economy. This project focuses on transforming LPIA’s lands into a vibrant mixed-use district that delights guests.

Known as Opportunity Area A, this project involves a 21-acre (8.5-hectare) site strategically located to attract developers and visitors once complete. Led by MXD Development Strategists in collaboration with Stantec and a team of local specialists, the project team completed a comprehensive advancement study. Our team surveyed and assessed roads, infrastructure, utilities, environmental factors, and capacity for the parcels. We also led a market research effort that highlighted the area’s hospitality needs.

We designed a conceptual site plan and strategies for how to provide water, power, and other services, along with estimates of how much preparing the site and installing utilities would cost. We also completed a financial analysis that considered different development options and how much the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) would be involved in each one. The results of the study provide NAD a low-risk, high-return strategy for leasing land out to private developers, which would reduce financial risk and help bring in money faster.

As the first step in LPIA’s larger land development plans, this project lays the groundwork to help fulfill the area’s immediate needs. This includes hotels for business travelers, as well as services for people catching connecting flights or heading to the Family Islands. With these features, the new development aims to keep travelers coming back and to boost the airport’s success.