Durban’s amusement park secures project development funding

LOCALS and tourists can look forward to much awaited fun as the proposed R980m Durban Amusement Park development has secured approval for project development funding from a development finance institution.

Additionally, the project has become one of the key tourism infrastructure developments supported by the National Department of Tourism. According to eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila, with funding approved, the family amusement attraction, entertainment and leisure development has completed its design stage, and technical planning work is underway. Statutory development will follow and is expected to run to the end of the first quarter of 2027, with construction to follow.

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“This approval is a critical step towards construction as it confirms institutional confidence. The development finance institution has completed its assessment of the project and approved the funding. It also funds the statutory work and supports the detailed planning and technical aspects. The approval strengthens the City’s position as it highlights the alignment of national government, the development finance sector and the municipality.”

Mzila said that the Durban Amusement Park development has already enjoyed national recognition as the project was selected by the National Department of Tourism through its 2026 call for projects and included among the key tourism infrastructure developments.

“The City submitted the project as an investment-ready project, and its inclusion confirms its alignment with national tourism priorities. The project was also showcased at the South African Tourism Investment Summit, which provided national exposure.”

The development will be based at the site of the former Durban Funworld, as part of the central beach precinct, under a long-term development lease with the municipality. The former iconic beachfront amusement park, Durban Funworld, shut its doors on May 1, 2023, due to challenges with its month-to-month lease agreement with the eThekwini Municipality, after being in operation for 75 years

Some of the features planned for this new development include world-class rides, extended reality and digital zone, a curated retail offering, and an upgraded events-focused amphitheatre. Patrons will be able to visit the park throughout the year as it encompasses a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, allowing it to trade year-round, including on wet weather days and in the evenings.

Mzila said that the park was expected to give visitors more reason to dip into their pockets.

“The Golden Mile already draws more than 17 million promenade visitors a year. The park is designed to give those visitors more reasons to stay longer, return more often and spend more in surrounding hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses.”

He added that the development is expected to create about 1400 jobs across construction and operations, with local small businesses built into the park’s supply chain.

“It is the entertainment centrepiece of more than R2b in investment spent or committed on Durban’s beachfront. The municipality will continue to guide the project through the statutory and approval processes that apply to it.”

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Last year, City Mayor Cyril Xaba announced that the project would be led by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers, a Durban-based, 100% black-owned company, that holds 17 years of experience in the delivery of large-scale urban development projects.

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