New 100+ acre development planned in Fuquay-Varina with more to come

by: Judith Retana Originally Posted: Jan 30, 2024 to CBS17.com (Link Here)

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In the last 10 years, Fuquay-Varina’s population has increased by 20,000 people.

“We’re not a sleepy, little town anymore. We’re on the map. People know about us,” says Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill.

As more people are drawn to once-slow Wake County towns like Fuquay-Varina, town leaders need to adjust to their growing population’s needs.

“Our citizens have told us they want to have high-end commercial retail available in our town. They don’t want to have to drive to other towns,” Massengill said.

It’s why he’s excited for the future Gold Leaf Crossing shopping center along U.S 401 between NC-42 and the future I-540 loop. Spanning 100 acres, it will hold shops, restaurants, office space and at least 350 apartment units. Before a shovel even hits the ground, target has announced it plans to open up shop here.

“I have a variety of different projects that are in the workThey’re expensive investments that town leaders hope will pay off.

“The additional businesses that are here, people that work in Fuquay-Varina and others that come to Fuquay-Varina will generate revenue that can be invested right back into our town,” said Massengill.

Nearby construction for the I-540 loop will likely encourage more people to move or work in the town, accelerating growth for this part of the county.s right now. So this is the first of many to come and a great opportunity,” said Massengill.

The mayor knows a lot of work needs to be done to accommodate for this incoming traffic. This April, crews will begin work on building new roads and utility lines to support the project.

“Over 10 transportation projects are under construction this year and many of them are nearby in this vicinity,” Massengill said.