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.
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.
