United Airlines is giving up 9,500 square feet of leased space on Denver International Airport's B concourse, a move that will save the carrier more than $1 million annually.

United used the space, located on the mezzanine level, to house administrative offices and storage. The company, though, recently determined it could consolidate workers in other areas of the airport and reduce its rent.

"It's part of our overall strategy to cut costs and operate more efficiently," said United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy. "We looked at ways to consolidate offices and move people around, and we decided we could give back space to the city."

Skyport Development, which operates numerous concessions at the airport and in the Concourse B mezzanine, will assume control of the space.

The company likely will add concessions, which could include restaurants or retail shops, DIA officials said. Nearly a dozen concessions - including Cantina Grill, Wolfgang Puck Express and Harley-Davidson - currently operate on the mezzanine.

DIA has been looking to upgrade its concessions amid rapid growth and changing dynamics in the air travel industry.

In an age of heightened security, travelers are arriving at the airport earlier, giving them plenty of time to eat, drink and shop.

In a recent survey, passengers gave DIA relatively low marks in food, beverage and retail options, saying they'd like a greater diversity of offerings.

Airport officials are focused in part on luring local businesses such Heidi's Brooklyn Deli and New Belgium Brewing Co., both of which plan to open airport locations in April.

United emerged from bankruptcy a year ago after slashing more than $7 billion in expenses, but it continues to cut costs and reorganize its airport operations.

Last year Chicago-based United agreed to give up its six gates on the A concourse at DIA in exchange for a new regional jet facility on the B concourse. The airport also retired some of United's debt as part of the deal.

United is the largest carrier at DIA and leases almost all of the gates on the B concourse.

walshc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2744