Goochland County: Riding a Wave of Economic Development Momentum

Goochland County: Riding a Wave of Economic Development Momentum

Goochland County is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that growth is translating into significant economic development wins. Fueled by its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and commitment to balanced growth, Goochland is quickly becoming a prime destination for industrial, commercial, and entrepreneurial investment.

🚀 Major Wins Driving Momentum in the Rockville Opportunity Corridor

The most transformative project to date is the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center, known as RIC6. Announced in May 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin, this 3.1 million-square-foot facility will create more than 1,000 new jobs and represents a landmark investment in Goochland’s economic future. Strategically located just one mile from Interstate 64—one of four major interchanges in the county—RIC6 perfectly aligns with Goochland’s targeted industry sectors and infrastructure advantages.

Nearby, another significant project is taking shape: Axial Rockville, a 335,000-square-foot Class A warehouse currently under construction. Announced in January 2025, the facility is being developed by Crescent Communities’ Axial Industrial division in partnership with Atapco Properties, marking Atapco’s first venture in Virginia. This project will help meet surging demand for flexible, modern industrial space and can accommodate single or multiple tenants.

🛣️ Infrastructure Investment to Match Growth

To support these transformative developments, Goochland County secured $76 million in funding to modernize the I-64 & Ashland Road Interchange into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This improvement will double bridge capacity and streamline regional freight and commuter traffic. Simply put, this interchange would not have been possible without the growth sparked by Amazon RIC6 and Axial Rockville.

🏢 Local Business Expansion Highlights

While major developments make headlines, Goochland is equally proud of its thriving small business community. Recent expansions include:

• Strickland MFG – Investing over $3 million in a second warehouse and office facility, backed by incentives from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) for workforce training and recruitment.
• Dover Hall Experiences – Launching a world-class tasting room to complement the growing 7 Lady Vineyards property, enhancing Goochland’s agritourism and hospitality sector.
• R-Tec Services – A regional heavy equipment service provider investing in a new facility to expand operations in the county.

Together, these projects will generate more than 40 new local jobs, increase taxable investment, and reinforce the county’s diverse economic base.

🏭 Industrial Expansion and Real Estate Development

Construction is also underway on the I-64 Industrial Park on Pony Farm Road in Oilville. This 14-lot park—comprising 9 lots in Goochland and 5 in neighboring Hanover County—will bring much-needed inventory to the region’s industrial real estate market. Goochland Economic Development is already assisting a local business with relocating to this park.

In the Goochland Courthouse Village, the County is advancing the Fairground Road extension project, which will open up 30 acres of publicly owned land for future mixed-use development. This site is poised to offer new opportunities for restaurants, retail, and community amenities to support the county’s growing population and enhance its central quality-of-life hub.

🌱 A Vision for Smart, Sustainable Growth

From mega-projects to local entrepreneurship, Goochland County is demonstrating how thoughtful, strategic development can benefit both businesses and residents. With a long-term vision to maintain 85% of the county as rural and 15% as developed, Goochland is committed to protecting its natural beauty while fostering economic opportunity in designated growth corridors.

🧭 What's Next for Goochland?

• Delivering major infrastructure projects to support logistics and connectivity.
• Attracting high-impact employers to industrial sites in West Creek, Rockville, and Oilville.
• Supporting small business expansion and tourism.
• Advancing quality-of-life developments in village nodes.

Goochland County is not just growing—it’s growing smart. As a rising mid-size locality in the Richmond Region, Goochland is building a reputation as a place where companies can thrive, people want to live, and innovation is welcomed. The future is bright—and the momentum is just getting started.