Work to upgrade the Durban waterfront is gaining momentum following the announcement of the launch of the flagship Durban Amusement Park project next year. The eThekwini municipality reported that preparatory work on the project, valued at nearly one billion rand, will be completed in the first quarter of 2027, after which construction will begin.
The park's goal is to revitalize the Durban waterfront and enhance the city's tourism offering. It was previously reported that the development would be carried out in partnership with two Italian firms specializing in engineering solutions for entertainment complexes such as Ferrari World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland.
The development is planned for the site of the former Durban Funworld within the central beach area, contingent upon a long-term development agreement with the municipality. This project will restore a permanent attraction venue on the waterfront, which has been absent since the closure of Funworld.
The park is planned to feature numerous world-class attractions, an augmented reality zone, digital spaces, carefully selected retail, and a modernized amphitheater geared towards events. The combination of indoor and outdoor entertainment will allow the park to operate year-round, including evenings and days with poor weather.
The area, known as Golden Mile, already attracts over 17 million visitors for walks annually. The park is designed to encourage guests to stay longer, return more often, and spend more money in local hotels, restaurants, and other tourist enterprises.
This project is a central element of investments exceeding 2 billion rand directed towards the Durban waterfront, alongside the redevelopment of the Joe Kools areas and the modernization of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels. The municipality views these initiatives as the foundation of its long-term waterfront renewal strategy.
eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Shabha, emphasized that this project is crucial for improving the tourism experience on the waterfront and demonstrates the City's commitment to expanding tourism opportunities, encouraging visitors to stay longer and enjoy the diversity of Durban's attractions.
Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC) leader, Patrick Pillay, expressed support for the public-private partnership, which will transform the Durban waterfront into a 'wonderland of bright entertainment and activity' upon completion. He noted that full funding will be provided by the private sector, while the City will provide the land and existing infrastructure.
Pillay also pointed out that this initiative will create necessary jobs and stimulate the City's economy, turning the waterfront into a fantastic world of entertainment.
In a statement, the municipality announced that the long-awaited development on the waterfront has reached an advanced stage. The proposed family, industrial, and leisure development valued at R 980 million has received approval for project financing from the financial development institution. The municipality added that this approval is a critical step toward construction, as it confirms institutional confidence.
The funding will also cover legislative requirements and support detailed planning and technical aspects. This approval strengthens the City's position, highlighting alignment between the national government, the financial development sector, and the municipality.
The municipality clarified that after securing funding, the project has moved past the design phase and is currently undergoing technical planning. The statement indicated that legislative procedures would follow and are expected to last until the end of the first quarter of 2027, after which construction will commence.
The project has become one of the key pieces of tourism infrastructure supported by the National Tourism Department. It was selected as part of the department's 2026 project competition and presented by the City as an investment-ready project at the South African Tourism Investment Summit, ensuring national coverage.
The municipality forecasts that the implementation of the project will create approximately 1400 jobs in construction and operation sectors, with local small businesses being integrated into the park's supply chain.