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City outlines economic development, housing and ‘entertainment district’ vision for downtown and Project 336
Summary
City staff reviewed recent and planned economic development initiatives — including Project 336 acreage, a shell building option, event center follow-up projects and a proposed entertainment district funded by occupancy tax revenues — and urged coordinated marketing, parking and infrastructure planning.
A city staff presentation summarized prior investments and new steps to advance economic development, housing and downtown activation in Rocky Mount, including a conceptual “entertainment district” to knit together the event center, Imperial Center, sports complex, downtown businesses and historic sites.
What staff told council - Project 336: staff described the 336-acre economic development area near I-95 and US-64, noting recent land acquisitions (including the Dozier property) and development activity such as a shell-building option agreement; planning for Fire Station Number 8 and an electrical substation are underway. - Workforce development: staff recommended follow-up engagement with Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College, OIC and Allied Ease to align workforce training with employers and proposed development. - Downtown and attractions: staff called for coordinated promotion and maintenance of the “attractors” — event center, sports complex, Imperial Center, the Douglass Block (Booker T. Theater), Rocky Mount Mills and other historic sites — and proposed central programming and possible use of occupancy-tax revenues to fund maintenance, promotion, transportation (trolleys) and tours. - Imperial Center repairs: staff noted bids would be presented for Imperial Center reroofing and for architectural plans for window replacement; staff said they expected to receive just under $2 million from occupancy tax revenues to support repairs and future programming.
Why it matters: staff argued that combining maintenance, promotion and programming into a coherent effort would improve the visitor experience, capture spending by event and sports attendees, and enhance downtown redevelopment prospects. Staff urged council consideration of forming or funding a downtown/tourism function to coordinate maintenance, promotion and programming.
Council reaction: several council members voiced support for an entertainment-district approach, for occupancy-tax funding to support maintenance of major venues, and for stronger engagement with historians and neighborhood leaders to shape narratives and tours that highlight Rocky Mount’s African American heritage and railroad history.
Next steps: staff will pursue Imperial Center repairs (roof and windows), continue downtown programming and present opportunities for occupancy-tax funded initiatives and workforce development partnerships.
