by Cathy Martin
Plans to renovate Symphony Park are back on, according to plans unveiled Monday by SouthPark Community Partners (SCP).
The $21 million project will involve both public and private funds to reimagine the 7.4-acre green space that’s home to festivals and concerts, including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s popular Summer Pops and the SouthPark After 5 weekly concert series.
Project highlights include:
- New permanent restaurants and micro-retail space for entrepreneurs
- Flat and terraced lawn space for hosting events of various sizes
- Interactive play spaces for kids
- Enhancements to the bandshell
- Public art
- Permanent public restrooms
- Two bridges to connect the park to the Loop urban trail
Rendering of Symphony Park courtesy SouthPark Community Partners
Plans for a previously announced renovation of the park in 2019 had stalled.
Private groups, led by mall owner Simon Property Group, will commit $13 million toward the project. SCP will request $8 million from the City of Charlotte, and the remaining $5 million will be funded through a capital campaign led by SCP.
“The framework we announced today is the product of hard work by a big team over many years,” said Adam Rhew, president and CEO of SouthPark Community Partners, in a news release. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Simon Property Group, the City of Charlotte, the business community, and others to deliver a signature public space for all.”
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be completed by summer 2027.
Rendering of Symphony Park courtesy SouthPark Community Partners
