Skip to content

Unanimous vote clears the way for a major life-sciences investment, new employment opportunities, and long-term economic growth in York County

The Rock Hill City Council voted unanimously on Thursday, July 23, to approve the final local measures associated with Octapharma’s proposed corporate headquarters and plasma-products manufacturing campus.

During the special-called meeting, council members approved the project’s rezoning, land sale, zoning map amendment, and revised incentive resolution through four separate 7-0 votes. The action represents a significant step forward for a project expected to bring approximately $1.5 billion in investment and more than 1,200 jobs to Rock Hill and the surrounding region.

The proposed development, previously referred to as Project Palmetto Rock, would be located on approximately 50 acres near Interstate 77 and Palmetto Parkway. Plans include a major manufacturing operation and the relocation of Octapharma’s United States corporate headquarters from Charlotte to Rock Hill.

A Significant Opportunity for the Community

The Piedmont Regional Association of REALTORS® recognizes the potential this project has to strengthen the region’s economy, expand employment opportunities, and support the continued growth of York County.

A major life-sciences investment can produce benefits that extend well beyond the project site. New jobs can support local businesses, generate additional economic activity, broaden the community’s tax base, and create career opportunities for current and future residents.

The revised agreement establishes a 40-year revenue-sharing structure involving York County, the City of Rock Hill, and the Rock Hill School District. Under the agreement, project revenue will be distributed among the three entities, with the school district receiving the largest share.

Investments of this size can also help position Rock Hill and York County as competitive destinations for advanced manufacturing, corporate operations, and life-sciences employers. Successfully attracting a global company can encourage additional private investment and strengthen the region’s ability to recruit complementary businesses and industries.

Economic Development and Housing Are Closely Connected

While the Octapharma project presents an extraordinary economic opportunity, major employment growth also reinforces the need for thoughtful housing and infrastructure planning.

More than 1,200 new positions could generate additional demand for housing at a variety of prices and stages of life. Employees may include manufacturing professionals, scientists, engineers, administrative staff, executives, and support-service workers, each with different housing needs.

For the project’s economic benefits to be fully realized, the region must continue working to provide:

  • A diverse supply of homes for employees at different income levels
  • Housing located within a reasonable distance of major employment centers
  • Transportation and infrastructure capable of supporting continued growth
  • Predictable and responsible development policies
  • Opportunities for both homeownership and rental housing
  • Coordination among municipalities, counties, schools, employers, and housing professionals

Housing availability is an essential part of economic development. Employers are more successful when workers can find appropriate housing near their jobs, while communities benefit when employees can live, shop, and invest in the areas where they work.

Planning for Sustainable Growth

PRAR supports economic development strategies that strengthen local communities while protecting quality of life and recognizing the importance of housing affordability.

As Rock Hill and York County prepare for the potential arrival of Octapharma, continued collaboration will be important. Land-use decisions, infrastructure investments, transportation planning, workforce development, and housing policy should work together rather than being considered separately.

The Association encourages local leaders to use this opportunity to plan proactively for the housing and community needs that accompany transformational economic growth.

“Economic development and housing are directly connected,” said Billie Prater, CEO of the Piedmont Regional Association of REALTORS®. “Attracting a major employer creates exciting opportunities for our residents and our entire region. It also makes it even more important that we plan for a range of housing choices, strong infrastructure, and responsible growth so employees can become long-term members of the communities where they work.”

PRAR appreciates the efforts of the City of Rock Hill, York County, the Rock Hill School District, economic-development professionals, and other community partners who worked toward an agreement that allows this important project to move forward.

The unanimous July 23 vote represents an encouraging step for Rock Hill and the broader York County community. PRAR looks forward to continued collaboration among public officials, businesses, residents, and housing professionals as the region prepares for the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany this level of investment.

Scroll To Top