VIABILITY
Can such a facility succeed? We believe the answer is “yes.” The preliminary studies show that the Seacoast is viable for a major attraction, and most likely, someone will build one sooner or later. If this is the case, why not develop a project that will have fantastic educational and environmental benefits, and boost the region’s economy? Why not have something that will create a significant number of professional jobs, not just seasonal minimum-wage jobs?
During the preliminary studies Lyons & Zaremba and ConsultEcon looked at current and projected demographic numbers, current and projected tourism numbers, proximity to major highways, and nearness to other significant attractions. Their preliminary conclusion is that this area can support an attraction of this size.
The Seacoast is the fastest growing region in the state. Traffic on 95 North and Spaulding Turnpike North is heavy due to both tourism and residential commuters. Since 2011, Dover has become the fastest growing city in New Hampshire, making it an excellent choice for an attraction of this type.
There is no other attraction of this significance or sophistication in New Hampshire, southern or central Maine, or northern Massachusetts. There is no other museum with this focus of earth, sea and space within this region.
Schoolchildren who previously would not have been able to visit the museums and attractions of Boston would be able to come here. Right now, many schools in southern Maine and New Hampshire do not go to Boston because of the cost of buses and gas, the cost of parking, the travel time, and the hassle of Boston traffic. For schools in central and northern New Hampshire and central Maine, a visit to Boston is completely prohibitive. But, a first-class museum located in southern New Hampshire changes the picture. There is less traffic, less travel time, and reasonable parking. It becomes much more worthwhile to make the trip. Even schools in northern Massachusetts would find it easier to journey north than south into Boston.
This area is already popular with tourist bus groups, and having a destination location such as this would only increase interest.
During the preliminary studies Lyons & Zaremba and ConsultEcon looked at current and projected demographic numbers, current and projected tourism numbers, proximity to major highways, and nearness to other significant attractions. Their preliminary conclusion is that this area can support an attraction of this size.
The Seacoast is the fastest growing region in the state. Traffic on 95 North and Spaulding Turnpike North is heavy due to both tourism and residential commuters. Since 2011, Dover has become the fastest growing city in New Hampshire, making it an excellent choice for an attraction of this type.
There is no other attraction of this significance or sophistication in New Hampshire, southern or central Maine, or northern Massachusetts. There is no other museum with this focus of earth, sea and space within this region.
Schoolchildren who previously would not have been able to visit the museums and attractions of Boston would be able to come here. Right now, many schools in southern Maine and New Hampshire do not go to Boston because of the cost of buses and gas, the cost of parking, the travel time, and the hassle of Boston traffic. For schools in central and northern New Hampshire and central Maine, a visit to Boston is completely prohibitive. But, a first-class museum located in southern New Hampshire changes the picture. There is less traffic, less travel time, and reasonable parking. It becomes much more worthwhile to make the trip. Even schools in northern Massachusetts would find it easier to journey north than south into Boston.
This area is already popular with tourist bus groups, and having a destination location such as this would only increase interest.
