Durban’s beloved Golden Mile is about to level up in a major way.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba on Wednesday announced a R1-billion world-class amusement park is officially coming to Durban, with plans for this leisure investment on the former Funworld site right on the beachfront.
Reports indicate that construction - on what is set to be a flagship attraction for Durban - is starting next year, with plans to unveil the new Durban Amusement Park in 2027.
Behind the amusement park is Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM), who are said to be working in collaboration with two Italian amusement engineering firms recognised for their work on attractions at Ferrari World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland.
Together, the aim is to deliver a next-generation coastal theme park designed to compete with global entertainment destinations.
What we know
Visitors can expect a line-up of high-impact rides, immersive zones, and major attractions, including:
- A lightning roller coaster
- Disco 24
- A vertical swing
- A 1,500 m² VR park with 160+ interactive games and e-sports experiences
- Neon-lit pedestrian walkways for safety
- Ocean-facing viewing decks
- Themed food courts
- Panoramic viewing decks
- Alcohol-free policy to keep it family-friendly
The anticipated economic impact is also significant, with early development work already underway. The project is projected to create 900 construction jobs and more than 500 permanent roles.
The development falls under a broader renewal strategy that includes the transformation of the Elangeni and Maharani hotel precincts - a separate R1-billion upgrade underway through a long-term Southern Sun partnership - as well as the redevelopment of the site, formerly Joe Kool’s.
This will be a full-scale revitalisation of Durban’s iconic shoreline.
The city also owns and operates uShaka Marine World near the Durban Harbour entrance; however, with Funworld closing in 2023 after almost 50 years, there was a gap in the market along this valuable Golden Mile.
The major upgrades and a wave of private investment hitting the Golden Mile show Durban is gearing up for a major comeback, with this amusement park set to be its new showpiece.
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