New Liquor Stores Coming To I-95; Potential Redevelopment, Too

HAMPTON, NH — Two of the most popular liquor stores in New Hampshire are getting a makeover soon along with 88-acres of potential new development on both side of I-95 in Hampton, according to state officials. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission announced Thursday that both stores in Hampton, on the northbound and southbound side of the highway, will be reconstructed. The commission will also work on entering into a potential public-private partnership to develop 64-acres of land on the north side and 24-acres on the south side for potential new development as well as conservation and wetlands preservation.

The expanded outlets as well as the land development is expected to lead to much more than the $54 million in revenues already being generated from the two stores.

"This unique and highly-valuable real estate along Interstate 95 encompassing our Hampton NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the state and a developer operator," said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. "We look forward to identifying a partner that can bring forward a competitive, creative and responsible, New Hampshire-centric proposal that will deliver two new, state-of-the-art NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations and accompanying facilities."

After lining up a real estate firm to assist with the development process, an RFP will be issued for a potential buyer. An advisory committee made up of both local and state agencies and officials will be put together to analyze the process. The process will be similar to the one used to reconstruct the Hooksett rest area liquor stores and "welcome centers" which now include food courts, diners, upgraded restrooms, ATMs, and gas stations.

More information will be released about the effort in the coming weeks.

Stratham Store To Move

The liquor commission also announced Thursday that the Stratham outlet on Portsmouth Avenue will be moved to the former CVS building across the street. The new location offers 2,800 more square feet of retail space – which will allow the store to offer an expanded selection of liquor and wine. The move is expected to be completed early next year.

Got a news tip? Send it to Tony Schinella at tony.schinella@patch.com.

View more videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyschinella.