The proposed R 980 million amusement park in Durban is taking a significant step toward realization, which will allow the Golden Mile area to regain a major family entertainment venue.
The amusement park plan, developed by the eThekwini municipality, has received approval for project funding from a development finance institution. This advances plans to transform the site of the former Durban Funworld into a modern leisure destination.
According to IOL, the funding approval followed the completion of the design phase, and technical planning is currently underway. The permitting process is expected to continue until the end of March 2027, after which construction will commence pending receipt of all necessary approvals.
The goal of this project is to enhance Durban's beach tourism offering by consolidating attractions, digital entertainment, retail, and event venues in one location.
The proposed facility aims to offer more than just traditional rides, providing diverse leisure options for families, youth, and visitors of all ages. Plans include numerous attractions, an augmented reality zone, digital entertainment, carefully selected retail spaces, and an updated amphitheater for events.
The combination of indoor and outdoor areas is designed to support year-round visitation, including during periods of poor weather and in the evenings.
If the project is implemented as planned, the park will provide an additional reason for tourists to spend more time on Durban's beaches, complementing the city's beaches, restaurants, hotels, and beachfront promenade.
The park is slated for the former Durban Funworld site in the central coastal area as part of a long-term development agreement with the municipality. The closure of Funworld created a gap in Durban's permanent attraction-based entertainment offering, and the new project aims to restore this element of the Golden Mile while introducing new forms of leisure and digital entertainment.
The municipality reports that the beachfront attracts over 17 million visitors annually. The new facility is intended to stimulate longer stays and repeat visits, potentially benefiting nearby restaurants, hotels, retailers, and other tourism businesses. Its location in one of Durban's established tourist zones could also make it a convenient addition to family holidays and coastal itineraries.