Roanoke Entertainment District Focus Group to begin reviewing Berglund Center redevelopment
Roanoke, Virginia – In an effort to bring clarity and diverse perspectives to the debate surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Berglund Center, Roanoke City Councilman Phazhon Nash has launched the Roanoke Entertainment District Focus Group. The newly formed group is tasked with analyzing the challenges associated with the redevelopment and discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks for the community.
The proposed entertainment district plan, currently under consideration by the City of Roanoke, includes separate areas for dining, live music, community events, and a casino. The goal is to drive new revenue streams and economic growth through a multifunctional space. However, the plan has sparked a range of opinions from residents and stakeholders, prompting the need for a space where diverse views can be heard and examined.
“The people of Roanoke have strong opinions about the Entertainment District and its potential impact on the City’s social and economic future,” said Councilman Nash. “The focus group creates a unique opportunity to digest complex issues and generate thoughtful discussion in a controlled setting in an effort to foster ongoing civil discourse.”
The first meeting of the focus group will be held virtually due to winter weather and will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The group will introduce its members, outline its goals, and discuss the timeline and scope of its work.
Residents are encouraged to tune in via the City of Roanoke YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@roanokevirginia. The focus group’s work will continue with regular meetings from January through May, with future opportunities for the public to submit their own feedback and questions.
Councilman Nash emphasized that the group represents a “broad-based coalition” of voices and viewpoints, aiming to give the public a deeper understanding of what the Entertainment District might mean for Roanoke’s future.
