Durban's iconic Golden Mile is set for a monumental transformation as the eThekwini Municipality officially announces plans for a R1 billion state-of-the-art amusement park. Slated to open in 2027, this ambitious redevelopment will take over the former Durban Funworld site, heralding a new era of entertainment and economic revitalization for one of South Africa’s most cherished coastal destinations. Spearheaded by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM), a Durban-based company, the project is a cornerstone of the city's broader vision to invigorate its beachfront, draw in a fresh wave of visitors, and inject significant energy into the local economy.

The new Durban Amusement Park is designed to be a flagship attraction, offering an exhilarating mix of high-adrenaline thrills and family-friendly experiences. Among its headline features, visitors can anticipate the heart-pounding Lightning Roller Coaster, the dynamic Disk’O 24, and the towering Vertical Swing. For enthusiasts of cutting-edge technology, a vast 1,500 square meter Virtual Reality Theme Park will host over 160 interactive games, promising deeply immersive adventures and facilitating global e-sports activations, setting a new standard for digital entertainment in the region.

A distinguishing characteristic of this development is its collaboration with two highly respected Italian engineering firms, renowned for their contributions to world-class attractions such as Ferrari World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. This international partnership guarantees that Durban’s new park will adhere to the highest global benchmarks for safety, innovation, and visitor experience, establishing it as a must-visit destination for both local residents and international tourists.

Strategically positioned on the beachfront, the amusement park is poised to infuse the promenade with vibrant new energy. The master plan incorporates neon-lit walkways to enhance safety and create an engaging night-time ambiance, panoramic viewing decks offering breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, and an array of themed food courts and leisure hubs designed to satisfy diverse tastes. Custom-designed activity zones will cater to all age groups, ensuring that families, groups, and solo adventurers alike discover something enjoyable. Crucially, the park commits to an alcohol-free, family-focused environment, reinforcing its appeal as a safe and inclusive space for all.

Beyond its entertainment value, this redevelopment serves as a pivotal element of Durban’s comprehensive strategy to bolster tourism, stimulate economic growth, and generate new opportunities for local enterprises. The project is projected to create substantial employment during both its construction and operational phases, simultaneously supporting the city's hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. By activating the promenade both day and night, the amusement park will contribute to longer visitor stays and increased overall spending, benefiting the entire tourism value chain across Africa.

For travel industry professionals across the continent, the Durban Amusement Park represents an compelling new product to market. Its world-class attractions and prime location on the Golden Mile make it an ideal addition to itineraries targeting families, adventure seekers, and leisure travelers. The park’s emphasis on safety, accessibility, and innovative experiences aligns perfectly with evolving traveler expectations, while its seamless integration with the beachfront’s existing amenities ensures convenient access to hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites. This R1 billion investment is part of a larger R2 billion private-sector investment pipeline along the Golden Mile, reflecting strong confidence in Durban's future as a premier tourism hub.

As construction gears up to commence next year, anticipation is building for the transformation of the former Funworld site, which served Durban’s community and visitors for nearly five decades before its closure in 2023. The new park will not only fill the void left by Funworld’s departure but will also significantly elevate the city’s leisure offerings to international standards, attracting new audiences and solidifying Durban’s status as a leading destination on the African continent. Ultimately, the Durban Amusement Park is set to redefine the city’s tourism landscape, creating a magnet for year-round visitation and inspiring travelers with a bold new reason to explore the Golden Mile.