Durban Amusement Park construction set to begin soon

Construction of the proposed Durban Amusement Park is expected to commence following the completion of all remaining statutory and commercial processes, according to the eThekwini Municipality.

The municipality and the developer will provide updates on all aspects of the project, said eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, when he unveiled plans for the amusement park at the former Funworld site, set to open its doors by 2027.

Xaba said that this was part of the beachfront revitalisation strategy and public-realm enhancement along the Golden Mile, which is supported by:

• Neon-lit pedestrian walkways to improve safety, visibility, and night-time ambience.  
• Panoramic viewing decks offering uninterrupted coastal and city skyline views.
• Themed food courts and leisure hubs designed for high pedestrian flow and family enjoyment.

The former Durban Funworld, which closed on May 1, 2023, was a landmark on the beachfront for nearly five decades and was managed by Nic Steyn. The lease had expired in 2017, and Steyn had been on a month-to-month basis.

Xaba said the request for proposal (RFP) was issued in December 2023 and closed in March 2024, adding that Masithu Consulting and Project Management (MCPM) was appointed by the municipality to deliver this “modern” urban development project.

The Durban Amusement Park will introduce a globally benchmarked collection of attractions, including:

• Lighting Roller Coaster: a neon-lit 500m track reaching speeds of up to 86 km/h.
• Disco 24 and Vertical Swing: high-adrenaline signature rides.
• 1500m² Virtual Reality Theme Park featuring more than 160 interactive games and global e-sports activations.

The park is expected to be funded by the developer at no cost to the municipality or the public.

Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA), said they were in support of developments involving private investors.

Prahladh said the beachfront promenade definitely needed a facelift to boost both local and international tourism.

“Creating employment and skills development for our community, especially the youth, is one of the spin-offs of these developments. Safety and crime combating are of the utmost Importance in this development. We also note that three municipal entities, like the uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabida Stadium, and the ICC, are being supported by ratepayers. So privatisation will work with the amusement park,” he said.  

Mdu Nkosi, an IFP councillor in eThekwini, said the municipality was missing a roleplayer to fast-track matters, which was filled by the IFP.

He emphasised that the public must understand the processes in place for developments, adding that the amusement park will create much-needed jobs.

“As the chairperson of the eThekwini Trading Services Committee, I note the improvements in water and sanitation that will ensure the beaches are safe from pollution. I believe that all units must play their roles to ensure people flock to Durban. My appeal is for the public to remain positive and promote the city,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za.