Novant Health to develop planned medical campus in Rock Hill’s Palmetto Research Park

Novant Health told the Rock Hill City Council on June 8 that it plans to develop a medical campus on roughly 25 acres in the Palmetto Research Park.

Chris Bowe, regional president for Novant, told council members the project is in the design phase and that the system aims to provide “full access to health care” in Rock Hill. He said Novant sees the campus as an opportunity for both clinical access and economic growth but declined to provide the full scope of services during the presentation. Council members and staff said more details will be reported as the project develops.

Council considered and approved an ordinance to sell city property on Palmetto Parkway tied to the project (listed on the agenda as Project TULIP). During discussion a council member asked whether maternal health services would be available locally after Piedmont ceased certain services; Bowe said Novant expects to review services and discuss specifics with the council as planning proceeds.

Bowe said the site purchase covers about 25 acres and that Novant expects to be in design now, with an “opportunity for shovels in the ground” in the first half of 2027. He emphasized community investment and said Novant has shown local support for Miracle Park in recent months. Council members voiced strong support and approved the ordinance by voice vote.

What happens next: City staff and Novant will continue planning and provide additional project details, including timing and specific services, at future meetings as the development moves from design to permitting and construction.