ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Rockingham City Council voted, 4-1, to approve a rezoning request for a new data center on Old Cheraw Highway. This means the project can move forward.
In August, the city said the project would be a $1.2-billion investment and could include several buildings. The data center would employ 30 people. Terra Nexus is the company behind the project.
The meeting last week included a public hearing; around 20 people spoke. Richmond County has yet to post the full meeting online.
Rockingham city manager Monty Crump said some council members voted in favor of the rezoning request after a visit to Maiden in Catawba County. More than a decade ago, Apple opened a massive data center in Maiden. In 2024, leaders told Channel 9 that the data center has become Catawba County’s largest taxpayer and has allowed the town to build a new town hall, a new fire station, and a new community center, all while the county reduced the property tax rate.
There wasn’t a timeline provided for when the company could break ground.
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