[category]
[title]
More good news, Durban – more than R70 million has been secured for the redevelopment of 137 Lower Marine Parade, also known as the Golden Mile.
The eThekwini Municipality’s programme to attract private investment to the Golden Mile reached a major milestone, with preferred bidder Imvusa (Pty) Ltd securing the funding. Once tenant fit-outs are complete, total private-sector investment in the project is expected to approach R100 million.
READ: Durban and beyond: School holiday fun for kids
More space, more food, more jobs
Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, after the statutory planning processes are completed and leases signed.
The redevelopment will increase the site's commercial footprint from 1,700m² to 4,000m² – a 135% increase in usable space.
And there will be plenty to eat!
Signed leases include: Steers, Fishaways, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Milky Lane, Perere by Gushima, and Nonna’s Riviera – which is making its Durban debut.
The redevelopment is also expected to double permanent employment at the site, from 85 to around 170 positions. Nonna’s Riviera alone is expected to create 33 jobs, while approximately 80 additional jobs created during construction.
READ: Events: What’s on in Durban
A busy Golden Mile
The investment comes as pedestrian activity along Durban’s beachfront continues to grow.
The Golden Mile promenade recorded 17.45 million pedestrian movements in 2025, representing a 20% increase in a single year. Between January and September 2026, a further 11.25 million pedestrian movements were recorded.
Construction had originally been scheduled for June 2026 but was rescheduled to allow legal proceedings relating to vacant possession to be concluded. Remaining occupants are required to vacate by 15 January 2027, with site handover expected immediately afterwards.
The development is targeting an opening during the 2027/28 festive season.
READ: Durban's best hideouts
More investment is coming
The 137 Lower Marine Parade redevelopment forms part of a much bigger transformation taking place along the Golden Mile.
Plans also include the R1-billion Durban amusement park planned for the former Funworld site, with attractions expected to include major rides, immersive entertainment zones, a VR park, food courts and ocean-facing viewing areas.
The Elangeni and Maharani hotel precinct is also undergoing a separate R1-billion upgrade through a long-term Southern Sun partnership.
And with the summer season approaching, the beachfront is still very much worth exploring!
Head down for a swim, a stroll along the promenade, a bite to eat, or to see what’s changing along one of Durban’s most recognisable stretches of coastline.
READ: Durban’s summer diary is filling up, and here’s what caught our eye
TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Durban
🍽 The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban
📢 Latest news from Durban
Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.