Town Officials and Local Businesses Plan for Temporary Closure and Construction Impact Along Ocean Boulevard
Plans to redevelop the historic Hampton Beach Casino property are progressing, marking the beginning of a significant transition period for one of New Hampshire’s most recognisable beachfront landmarks. Town officials, business owners and residents are now preparing for the impact of a temporary closure that could reshape the area’s commercial and tourism landscape for several years.
Under the current timeline, the existing Hampton Beach Casino complex is expected to close after the conclusion of the 2026 summer season. If construction proceeds as anticipated, Hampton Beach would operate without the venue for an estimated two to three years while redevelopment is completed. The closure represents a major change for the beachfront district, as the property has long served as both an entertainment hub and a practical anchor for parking and foot traffic.
Originally built in 1899, the Casino complex houses the well-known Casino Ballroom, along with gaming space, retail vendors, food outlets and parking facilities. However, the age of the structure has increasingly presented challenges. Portions of the building are no longer in regular use due to structural limitations, accessibility concerns and rising maintenance costs, prompting owners to pursue a full redevelopment rather than incremental upgrades.
Property owners Sal Lupoli and Fred Schaake have proposed replacing the aging complex with a modern, year-round mixed-use development. Preliminary plans outline a rebuilt Casino Ballroom designed to preserve the venue’s cultural significance while upgrading its capacity and infrastructure. The wider project is expected to include a hotel, residential units, restaurants, retail space, a charitable gaming facility and a multi-level parking garage, aimed at supporting both tourism and local economic activity throughout the year.
Town officials acknowledge that the construction period may temporarily disrupt parking availability, pedestrian flow and seasonal visitor patterns along Ocean Boulevard. However, they have emphasized that nearby restaurants, shops and live music venues will remain open throughout the redevelopment. Municipal leaders are also exploring alternative and long-term parking solutions to mitigate the impact on businesses and beachgoers during construction.
The Hampton Beach project reflects a broader trend across the gaming and hospitality sector, where aging properties are being reimagined to meet modern expectations. Comparable redevelopment efforts are underway internationally, including International Entertainment Corporation’s renovation of the New Coast Hotel & Casino in Manila, which is focused on modernising facilities and expanding amenities.
Within New Hampshire itself, the gaming landscape continues to evolve. Gate City Casino recently became the first venue in the state to introduce automated electronic table games, including craps and roulette terminals. The property has also opened New Hampshire’s first Aristocrat Lounge and expanded its gaming floor with more than 300 new video lottery terminals.
As redevelopment plans advance, Hampton Beach officials stress that the long-term vision is to create a more resilient, accessible and year-round destination—one that balances its historic identity with modern infrastructure and economic sustainability.
