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R1-billion amusement park to transform Durban Beachfront
R1-billion amusement park to transform Durban Beachfront
Date: 2025-12-18
Durban's Beachfront is set for a dramatic revival with the announcement of a new R1-billion amusement park on the old Durban FunWorld site - a landmark development aimed at restoring the coastline's status as a premier tourism hub.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba confirmed the winning bidder during a media briefing on Wednesday, outlining a project that he says will anchor Durban's long-term beachfront regeneration strategy. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
According to the city, the development will create approximately 1 500 jobs, including 500 permanent positions, offering a significant boost to local employment and skills development. The amusement park forms part of a broader plan to enhance Durban's tourism offerings, attract private investment, and encourage visitors to extend their stay.
Xaba described the site as "a prime position," noting that its transformation is central to revitalising the beachfront economy and strengthening Durban's position as Africa's leading coastal tourism destination. He added that the project has reached a major milestone with formal expressions of interest received from three development funding institutions.
The long-neglected FunWorld strip is finally on track for reinvention - and Durban's shoreline may soon reclaim the magic it once promised.