City of Nashua
Economic Development Division
City Hall, 229 Main Steet, PO Box 2019
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-2019
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To: Alderman Melizzi-Golja and the Planning & Economic Development Committee
From: Tim Cummings, Economic Development Division Director
Date: July 14, 2016
Re: Discussion on Moving Forward with Performing Arts Center
Feasibility Study Phase IT
Objective(s)
1. Ensure we have consensus on moving forward with Phase I
2. Begin discussion on outstanding issue(s)
Background
The City has chosen to break out the work into two phases, with up to two separate contracts.
Phase I: Evaluates demand for a new performing arts facility in Nashua, verifying audience
potential, identifying potential users and uses, confirming its positioning within a competitive
market, and considering how new performance facilities might support the broader goals of
the City and region.
Duncan Webb's conclusions & recommendation(s):
* The case for building a brand new, large-capacity performing arts venue in
Nashua is challenged by the city’s proximity to multiple large, presenting
performing arts centers, the development of a new concert hall nearby, and
limited demand on the part of local users for a venue with 750 or more seats.
*x Additionally, the city is already home to two performance venues that are
regularly used by the community but that are greatly in need of renovation.
* With that said, we see tremendous opportunity in Nashua. The organizations that
are currently active in the community offer a diverse product, maintain busy
schedules, and have demonstrated an ability to grow and develop programs over
time. If we look to Positive Street Art as an example, Nashua can be seen as the
type of environment that can allow an emerging organization the time, space, and
support needed to flourish.
* Our recommendations, then, are focused on hamessing the city and community's
current arts-momentum and resources, directing them at three different options.
Ll) Pace
