Rosie’s in Collinsville would move to a new location in Ridgeway near the Martinsville Speedway based on a plan submitted by Colonial Downs, the gaming room’s owner.
The board of supervisors is scheduled to consider an application on Tuesday for Rosie’s to relocate to a 145-acre plot north of the U.S. Route 58 bypass and south of Old Sand Road. Colonial Downs would develop 6.2 acres on the new site — building a 24,000-square-foot building, as well as related parking and site improvements, based on a special use permit application. The rest of the property is expected to be developed over time, according to the application. No estimate on Colonial Downs’ projected investment in the project was available Monday.
Rosie’s offers pari-mutuel horse racing wagering. Colonial Downs has had an off-track wagering facility in Collinsville under the Rosie’s brand since 2021.
Rosie’s in Collinsville is currently inside the Dutch Inn, and the group is proposing a standalone facility at the new site. Colonial Downs submitted the application on Sept. 10 to the board of zoning appeals, since the facility requires special use approval in the general commercial zoning district.
The relocation would include new private investment and is expected to generate construction, permanent jobs and additional economic benefits, according to the board of supervisors meeting agenda for Tuesday. The board will consider the application during its 3 p.m. meeting. There is a scheduled board of zoning appeals public hearing on Oct. 28 before it would also vote on the matter, according to the special use permit application.
Supervisor Garrett Dillard said Monday he’s in favor of the relocation of Rosie’s because it gives the county an opportunity to benefit economically. He said it could also encourage more visitors to Henry County.
County staff is recommending approval of a proposed resolution that states the board of supervisors supports the relocation, development and operation of a new pari-mutuel wagering facility and the installation of the maximum number of 150 terminals allowed for Henry County, according to Virginia law.
In Virginia, pari-mutuel betting requires a local referendum. Voters in Henry County approved pari-mutuel betting in 2004, and Colonial Downs then operated an off-track betting facility in Ridgeway on Greensboro Road, said Brandon Martin, the county’s public information officer. Colonial Downs discontinued its off-track betting operations for a period of time until opening its operation in Collinsville. The Collinsville facility has been under the Rosie’s Game Room brand since 2021.
Wagering has brought in more than $1.2 million in revenue since voters approved it in 2004 and has brought in about $865,000 since July 2021 — when Rosie’s opened in Collinsville, according to county data.
