Council will need to borrow millions to fund Titantic Museum (From Daily Echo)

"will need to borrow millions to make sure it’s built on time. It could see taxpayers paying substantial sums in interest payments.
.
And once it’s built the landmark museum could be handed over to a private firm to run to make sure it turns a profit"
.
Plenty of reasons here why the scheme should be scrapped - that and the daft location.

I think its a good idea, if it is given to a private company then there should be a clause for percentage of the profit or something along those lines. This is important for Southampton so hope it does not cost to much!

Second paragraph from the bottom. You would hope that the Echo would know how to spell Southampton without putting a hyphen in there. Its not even the sort of thing that could be a typo, so somebody must be having a laugh.

Why not make this into a full history museum this city has little gems locked away all over the place take the original city tram and other items locked away in a garage or the Solent sky that had fund troubles why not include that or the history of the bargate or the pilgrims that left mayflower park and the biggest most well known thing the history of the spitfire. All this and much more as well as the titanic and cruise history could be included surely it would attract more visitors and be more benificial to future generations.

Sweed wrote:
Second paragraph from the bottom. You would hope that the Echo would know how to spell Southampton without putting a hyphen in there. Its not even the sort of thing that could be a typo, so somebody must be having a laugh.

Apart from the fact that the - key is right above the p.

So could easily be a typo.

Better editing on the Echo's part required but could be a typo.

Complete waste of money. Be media coverage in 2012 and then it will be all forgotten and we will be left with a big debt and no customers at the museum. theres precious little to put in a large museum anyway. At Wool house there are practically no real exhibits to see. Why do we need more space ?

Cant the Council sell some of it's art that it doesnt even display to help fund this project? I personally would love to see this museum built, but I hope it's done properly and not at a budget. Will be a complete waste of time and money otherwise.

More than 150,000 expected to visit per year.
More than 12,500 a month.
In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

Linesman wrote:
More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums?
If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised.
With regard a weekend break destination!
Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location.
The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic.
If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

White Elephant... brilliant. Yes I do visit museums and castles and stately homes etc. I have been on many a good weekend city break, Nottingham, York, Bath, Norwich. I cannot see why Southampton (with investment) can be any different. We have both heritage in this city and as you say good shopping, and a stones throw away from the New Forest. I think your views on museums etc are very blinkered.

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well.
Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view.
Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once.
You mention Cruise Ship passengers.
As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand?
City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

Linesman wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once. You mention Cruise Ship passengers. As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand? City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity. We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

Linesman, it's a step in the right direction. Hopefully this will lead on to many other new attractions for the city, Aircraft Museum, Snow Dome/Ice Rink. The cities success will not just depend on the Titanic museum but hopefully from the follow on from this. As DCM said city breaks are very popular. The reason why people are so pessimistic in Southampton is because we have just fallen behind on other cities. There is no reason why it will fail in Southampton if it isn’t done properly.

Linesman wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once. You mention Cruise Ship passengers. As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand? City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity. We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

You've managed to kill your own argument there - "Portsmouth is getting an increase in visitors due to the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose" - you don't think Southampton could use the publicity of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic to raise its profile? The more attractions Southampton adds the more visitor numbers it will get.
Yes, cruise ship passengers go on arranged coach trips - but if they are interested in the museum then they will come.
Do I honestly think that cruise ship passengers would rather go to the museum than the shops? Yes, many of them will. Cruise ship passengers are highly likely to be interested in anything maritime related given that they've spent thousands of pounds to go on a ship! There are vast numbers of Americans that use cruise ships - they love the history that the UK has to offer. If you spent any time in that area you'd see the number of cruise ship passengers who have come off ship to have a look around.
Again, this museum is sited in the city centre, it is not far away from the city's centre of activity. It takes 10 minutes (at a slow pace) to walk from this site to West Quay. It'll also be next to the cultural quarter which will house a good selection of art which will also attract people.
I do believe that, if done well, this will be a success.

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once. You mention Cruise Ship passengers. As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand? City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity. We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

You've managed to kill your own argument there - "Portsmouth is getting an increase in visitors due to the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose" - you don't think Southampton could use the publicity of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic to raise its profile? The more attractions Southampton adds the more visitor numbers it will get. Yes, cruise ship passengers go on arranged coach trips - but if they are interested in the museum then they will come. Do I honestly think that cruise ship passengers would rather go to the museum than the shops? Yes, many of them will. Cruise ship passengers are highly likely to be interested in anything maritime related given that they've spent thousands of pounds to go on a ship! There are vast numbers of Americans that use cruise ships - they love the history that the UK has to offer. If you spent any time in that area you'd see the number of cruise ship passengers who have come off ship to have a look around. Again, this museum is sited in the city centre, it is not far away from the city's centre of activity. It takes 10 minutes (at a slow pace) to walk from this site to West Quay. It'll also be next to the cultural quarter which will house a good selection of art which will also attract people. I do believe that, if done well, this will be a success.

DCM brother, you are filling me with positivity today.

Southampton City Council have such double standards. They allow this monstrosity to be built onto the side of a grade 2 listed building, yet my friend used to have a grade 2 listed house in the city. The council complained about ANYTHING which wasn't 100% in keeping with the building's age and character.

StEmmosfire wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once. You mention Cruise Ship passengers. As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand? City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity. We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

You've managed to kill your own argument there - "Portsmouth is getting an increase in visitors due to the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose" - you don't think Southampton could use the publicity of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic to raise its profile? The more attractions Southampton adds the more visitor numbers it will get. Yes, cruise ship passengers go on arranged coach trips - but if they are interested in the museum then they will come. Do I honestly think that cruise ship passengers would rather go to the museum than the shops? Yes, many of them will. Cruise ship passengers are highly likely to be interested in anything maritime related given that they've spent thousands of pounds to go on a ship! There are vast numbers of Americans that use cruise ships - they love the history that the UK has to offer. If you spent any time in that area you'd see the number of cruise ship passengers who have come off ship to have a look around. Again, this museum is sited in the city centre, it is not far away from the city's centre of activity. It takes 10 minutes (at a slow pace) to walk from this site to West Quay. It'll also be next to the cultural quarter which will house a good selection of art which will also attract people. I do believe that, if done well, this will be a success.

DCM brother, you are filling me with positivity today.

I try my best......

Has Southampton City Council got shares in the Keir Group?

Them seem to be winning all the contracts for building anything to do with the local authority.

...Supermarine Spitfire is the key, it links the neglected aviation and nautical history of this great city.

As with the football it's greatest proponents and supporters come from 'Out of Town'. Those inside are too busy moaning and slagging off other areas of 'town.' You are more likely to see a Saints shirt, flag or car sticker in Andover, Winchester Salisbury or Fareham.

soton1980 wrote:
Southampton City Council have such double standards. They allow this monstrosity to be built onto the side of a grade 2 listed building, yet my friend used to have a grade 2 listed house in the city. The council complained about ANYTHING which wasn't 100% in keeping with the building's age and character.

Bullseye.

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

White Elephant... brilliant. Yes I do visit museums and castles and stately homes etc. I have been on many a good weekend city break, Nottingham, York, Bath, Norwich. I cannot see why Southampton (with investment) can be any different. We have both heritage in this city and as you say good shopping, and a stones throw away from the New Forest. I think your views on museums etc are very blinkered.

its a white elephant, those places that you have listed all have tour operator,s running coach,s trips to those location every single day. wait and see what happens with the titanic touring roadshow that.s coming here. even they say it not worth staying in one place to long because vistors drop off very quickly.

southy wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

White Elephant... brilliant. Yes I do visit museums and castles and stately homes etc. I have been on many a good weekend city break, Nottingham, York, Bath, Norwich. I cannot see why Southampton (with investment) can be any different. We have both heritage in this city and as you say good shopping, and a stones throw away from the New Forest. I think your views on museums etc are very blinkered.

its a white elephant, those places that you have listed all have tour operator,s running coach,s trips to those location every single day. wait and see what happens with the titanic touring roadshow that.s coming here. even they say it not worth staying in one place to long because vistors drop off very quickly.

We never used a tour operator or coach trip, neither did a lot of the other tourists that were around us. This can work if giving the full support it deserves, and other attractions will follow. There was only an article the other week on how Germans were coming to Southampton on holiday. Get behind the heritage of your city Southy.

StEmmosfire wrote:

southy wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

White Elephant... brilliant. Yes I do visit museums and castles and stately homes etc. I have been on many a good weekend city break, Nottingham, York, Bath, Norwich. I cannot see why Southampton (with investment) can be any different. We have both heritage in this city and as you say good shopping, and a stones throw away from the New Forest. I think your views on museums etc are very blinkered.

its a white elephant, those places that you have listed all have tour operator,s running coach,s trips to those location every single day. wait and see what happens with the titanic touring roadshow that.s coming here. even they say it not worth staying in one place to long because vistors drop off very quickly.

We never used a tour operator or coach trip, neither did a lot of the other tourists that were around us. This can work if giving the full support it deserves, and other attractions will follow. There was only an article the other week on how Germans were coming to Southampton on holiday. Get behind the heritage of your city Southy.

Did it state why the Germans were here on vacation? Perhaps they came to see what the Edwin Jones building looks like - afterall it took 19 years to (re)build it.

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

DCM wrote:

Linesman wrote:

StEmmosfire wrote:

Linesman wrote: More than 150,000 expected to visit per year. More than 12,500 a month. In all probability that figure will be reached for the first six months and then it will tail off.

You missed white elephant from your comment? Stop being so negative there is also a chance the figures will increase. If Southampton continues to invest in leisure and tourism numbers could increase year on year as the cities reputation grows as a weekend break destination, and great location being so close to the New Forest.

When you go on holiday, do you head for the museums? If you do, then you would be in very much a minority group. A museum is a place where tourists go when they want to get out of the rain, but in Southampton's case, they would head for the shops or even the ice rink that has been promised. With regard a weekend break destination! Anyone who wants to 'get away from it all' would surely want to head for the peace and quiet of the New Forest, not head for a City location. The planned location is in the wrong place, distant from the shops which are the City's biggest attraction and nowhere nowhere near the docks, which are associated with the Titanic. If you believe it to be a money-spinner, then I do hope that you are not whinging about how much money it is costing to feed a White Elelphant in ten years time!

Linesman, i'll think you'll find that when people go on holiday they look for a variety of things to do. Good museums DO bring in tourists. Have you ever been to the museums in London and seen how packed they are? I'm not trying to suggest that this museum will have the same draw, but it will have a positive impact if it's done well. Think about the target market. 1) Cruise ship passengers looking for something to do - this will help attract them off their ship or to stay in Southampton for a little longer either before or after their trip. 2) City breaks are hugely popular and I have no idea where you get the idea that all people head to peace and quiet for their holidays. You might do, but if you've ever been to popular cities at the weekend you will clearly see that many don't share your view. Lastly, it's a 10 minute walk from the site of this museum so it's hardly distant!! There is also precious little to see at the docks so not siting the museum there will make no difference.

Yes I have been to museums in London, but it is only the Imperial War Museum that I have visited more than once. You mention Cruise Ship passengers. As has been reported in The Echo on a number of occasions, a lot of these passengers go on pre-arranged coach trips away from Southampton. For those that walk ashore, do you honestly think that they are going to head for that museum, when there is a very large shopping complex closer to hand? City breaks may be popular, but invariably there is a popular attraction. Brighton has always been popular, as has Bournemouth with Portsmouth getting an increase in visitors, thanks to the Spinnaker tower and the world-wide publicity given to the raising of the Mary Rose. This museum, which may be in the heart of the City geographically, is some distance from the city's centre of activity. We are all entitled to our opinions, and nothing has been said convinces me that this will be an economic success. Whilst I may have made a contribution by way of the Lottery Grant, I am pleased that I will not have to bale it out with money from my Council Tax.

You've managed to kill your own argument there - "Portsmouth is getting an increase in visitors due to the Spinnaker Tower and Mary Rose" - you don't think Southampton could use the publicity of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic to raise its profile? The more attractions Southampton adds the more visitor numbers it will get. Yes, cruise ship passengers go on arranged coach trips - but if they are interested in the museum then they will come. Do I honestly think that cruise ship passengers would rather go to the museum than the shops? Yes, many of them will. Cruise ship passengers are highly likely to be interested in anything maritime related given that they've spent thousands of pounds to go on a ship! There are vast numbers of Americans that use cruise ships - they love the history that the UK has to offer. If you spent any time in that area you'd see the number of cruise ship passengers who have come off ship to have a look around. Again, this museum is sited in the city centre, it is not far away from the city's centre of activity. It takes 10 minutes (at a slow pace) to walk from this site to West Quay. It'll also be next to the cultural quarter which will house a good selection of art which will also attract people. I do believe that, if done well, this will be a success.

I fail to see how I have killed my own argument by mentioning the Spinnaker Tower and the Mary Rose.
The Spinnaker Tower presents a changing landscape, depending on the season and also the local activities and this attracts people to visit it on a number of occasions, not just the once.
The difference between the Mary Rose, the Victory and the Warrior is that they are the originals, whereas there will be virtually nothing of the original Titanic.
There is only one Mary Rose, Victory and Warrior, but there is already a Titanic museum in Belfast, where the Titanic was built!
StEmmosfire speaks of, 'If the City continues to invest in leisure and tourism!' Continues gives the impression that it has started already, but any visitor would be hard pressed to discover where that start was made and what it consisted of. The promises have been there in their hundreds, but delivery?
How long has the ice-rink been under consideration?
What about the Spitfire?

I rarely agree with Linesman as he appears to be very negative about Soton, unfairly in my opinion.
However I do agree with the argument that the proposed Museum is in the wrong place.
Ideally it should be down by the waterside, perhaps incorporated within the proposed marine/aviation museum near Dock Gate 4.
Although, for a city of its size, Soton has little of particular interest apart from the cruise ships and special events like the Boat Show, hotel bookings are surprisingly robust and a museum of some sort could well be of interest to short break visitors and those who come into the city for the day.
I guess the negativity on this board is not unique as you will find similar comments from people posting on other regional media forums.
Shame really as Soton and surrounding area is a nice place to live compared to many I have visited

The last place the Titanic left from was Cobh in Southern Ireland. The Titanic Museum there is shut down and it is right next to the cruise dock. Southampton is an embark/disembark so not much time for sightseeing. Not sure many cruise passengers would want to see a sinking ship!

Forest Hump
Interesting detail re Cobh (Queenstown)
You are right about the status of Soton as a turnround port although there appear to be some initiatives around to attract more calling cruises to the city.
However this Museum needs to feature more than the Titanic to make it of enduring interest