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Major upgrades coming to SouthPark’s Symphony Park

The $21 million project would bring micro retail space and restaurants to the park near SouthPark Mall.

A rendering of people standing and sitting near a renovated amphitheater in the evening light.

Upgrades to Symphony Park include a regrading of the park to make it flatter for events.

Rendering via SouthPark Community Partners

Ready for a crescendo of change at Symphony Park? SouthPark Community Partners (SCP) announced a $21 million project to renovate the 7.4-acre green space near SouthPark Mall — a key aspect of the SouthPark Forward 2035 Vision Plan. It’s all thanks to a public-private partnership paving the way for major upgrades to SouthPark’s public park.

“Symphony Park will become an extraordinary community destination home to frequent, high-quality programming that invites deeper connections among others,” said Adam Rhew, president and CEO of SCP. “The framework we announced today is the product of hard work by a big team over many years.”

Upcoming changes

Simon Property Group, which owns SouthPark Mall, will spearhead building two new restaurants at the park’s edge, driving foot traffic to new micro-retail space.

Other upgrades include:

  • New lighting or projection art on the bandshell
  • A trail segment along Carnegie Boulevard + two bridges to connect the SouthPark Loop directly to the park
  • Permanent public restrooms
  • Flat and terraced lawn areas
  • Interactive areas for children
  • Public art

During the proposal to the City of Charlotte, SouthPark Community Partners explained the designs were driven by community input and will make the park a destination for residents, workers, and neighbors.

CLTtoday_Symphony Park renderings gif_April 2025

SouthPark Community Partners aim to redevelop Symphony Park into a lively hub for live music, retail, fitness, and community gatherings.

Renderings via SouthPark Community Partners

Funding

Under the terms of the partnership, $13 million is being invested by Simon Property Group and SCP’s $5 million capital campaign + SCP is requesting $8 million from the City of Charlotte through existing bonds for District Six, covering SouthPark.

What’s next?

Construction is expected to begin in late summer and be complete by mid-summer 2027. Rhew and SCP are working with city staff to determine if rezoning is necessary for the project.

Until then, SouthPark After 5, a free weekly outdoor concert series, returns for the season starting Thursday, April 17.

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