Rock Hill, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The former Carolina Panthers’ practice facility in Rock Hill is being rebranded as Palmetto Research Park, covering over 200 acres and deemed shovel-ready for development. Target industries include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace, promising high-wage job creation. While some local business owners express skepticism about the vision for the site, city officials remain focused on attracting high-salary businesses and enhancing infrastructure while collaborating with educational institutions to prepare a trained workforce.
Rock Hill, S.C. – The former Carolina Panthers’ practice facility in Rock Hill is being rebranded as Palmetto Research Park. Located just off I-77 in York County, the site covers over 200 acres and has remained vacant since the Panthers withdrew from the project in 2022 due to funding disputes. City officials have declared the area “shovel-ready,” citing necessary infrastructure such as power, water, wastewater, fiber, and natural gas.
In addition to essential utilities, the property offers rail access and high visibility from the highway, making it attractive for various industries. Target sectors for development include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace, all of which are anticipated to generate high-wage jobs in the region. However, some nearby business owners express skepticism about the future direction of the park, with certain individuals hoping for a music pavilion or other tourist attractions instead. In contrast, others like Latoya Robinson from Starlight Healthcare Services are optimistic about the land’s potential for growth amid these concerns.
Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys emphasizes the importance of attracting high-salary businesses and improving city infrastructure as he runs unopposed for a third term. Throughout years of negotiations and legal battles, the city maintained ownership of the property, which city officials are actively marketing as an ideal location for corporate headquarters, medical device manufacturing, or research and development. Furthermore, the city is collaborating with local educational institutions to ensure a trained workforce is available for incoming businesses.
As the future plans for Palmetto Research Park continue to take shape, city officials are focused on removing remnants of the Panthers’ branding from maps and signs, signifying a new chapter for the site.
Key Features of Palmetto Research Park
- Site Area: Over 200 acres
- Accessibility: Located just off I-77, with rail access
- Infrastructure: Equipped with power, water, wastewater, fiber, and natural gas
- Target Sectors: Life sciences, advanced manufacturing, aerospace
- Job Creation: Expected to create high-wage jobs
- Developer Appeal: High visibility from the highway
City’s Goals
- Attract high-salary businesses
- Improve city infrastructure
- Maintain ownership of property through negotiations
- Develop a trained workforce in collaboration with educational institutions
FAQ Section
What is the new name of the former Carolina Panthers’ practice facility?
The site is being rebranded as Palmetto Research Park.
How large is the Palmetto Research Park site?
The site spans over 200 acres.
What has made the area “shovel-ready”?
City officials have indicated that the site is equipped with necessary infrastructure for power, water, wastewater, fiber, and natural gas.
What are the target sectors for development at the park?
The target sectors include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.
What is Mayor John Gettys focusing on for the city?
Mayor Gettys is focused on attracting high-salary businesses and improving city infrastructure.
Are the future plans for Palmetto Research Park finalized?
Future plans for the area are still evolving, with city officials seeking to remove remnants of the Panthers’ branding from maps and signs.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC
- Google Search: Palmetto Research Park
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Rock Hill South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
