The Durban beachfront will soon be getting a R1-billion amusement park overhaul, set for 2027 completion.

Announced by city mayor Cyril Xaba yesterday (December 10), the ambitious development forms part of a strategy to revitalise the beachfront and restore Durban’s status as one of the continent’s leading coastal destinations.

The project will be spearheaded by Durban-based Masithu Consulting and Project Managers.  It is expected to create roughly 900 jobs during construction, with over 500 permanent positions to follow in operations, hospitality, entertainment programming, and technical services.

“We are excited that this partnership allows the municipality to upgrade a key public amenity, while securing significant private investment into the beachfront,” said Xaba.

“This project will strengthen Durban’s position as a leading coastal destination and continue to attract visitors to enjoy our warm weather all year round.”

The Durban Amusement Park is planned for the same stretch of land as the former Durban Funworld and is being developed in collaboration with two Italian engineering firms that have worked on international parks including Ferrari World, Universal Studios and Disneyland.

It includes a Lightning Roller Coaster, Disko 24, Vertical Swing and a 1 500m² Virtual Reality Theme Park offering more than 160 interactive games and international e-sports activations.

Other features include:

• Neon-lit pedestrian walkways to improve safety.
• Panoramic viewing decks.
• Themed food courts and leisure hubs.
• “Park-within-a-park” zones designed for different age groups.
• An alcohol-free, family-friendly environment.

The municipality said construction will begin once the final statutory and commercial processes are completed.

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