LOOK: Durban's new R1-billion amusement park plans
The iconic Durban beachfront is getting a serious upgrade.
The Golden Mile is one of the most renowned coastlines in the country.
READ: The top 10 best-selling albums of the 21st century
uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino, and a route to Moses Mabhida Stadium are just some of the main attractions you'll find on the popular Durban beachfront.
It's one of Durban's main tourist attractions, and those who have visited might recall seeing a slightly neglected, slightly spooky amusement park on the route as well.
READ: The top Google Search trends in South Africa for 2025
In 2023, Durban Funworld, the popular beachfront park, closed its doors after 75 years.
Now, after two years, this space is allegedly going to transform into something magical, futuristic and world-class.
The eThekwini Municipality has announced its grand plans for a "breathtaking" R1-billion amusement park development at the former Durban Funworld site.
READ: Rachel Kolisi launches new movement after feeling "broken"
The Municipality have shared concept renders and confirmed that construction will kick off soon.
The project is set to be completed by 2027.
READ: Helpful tips to help keep pets away from Christmas trees
Here is everything we know about the development.
The project details:
- Jobs created during construction: 900
- Permanent jobs created once open: 500
- Project led by: Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM)
- Developed in partnership with two leading Italian amusement engineering firms (known for projects at Ferrari World, Universal Studios and Disneyland).
- Themed food courts.
- Neon-lit pedestrian walkways.
- An alcohol-free, family-friendly environment.
- Panoramic viewing decks overlooking the ocean and city skyline.
- A fully-redeveloped splash-park and children’s water play area - funded entirely by the developer.
- The Lightning Roller Coaster
- Disko 24
- Vertical Swing
- 1,500m2 Virtual Reality Theme Park with 160+ interactive games
- Global e-sports activations
Here is what the park is set to look like:
Durban beachfront is getting their own amusement park valued at R1 billion - they are redeveloping the old Funworld Site🎪🎢🎡
— Ash Müller (@Askash) December 10, 2025
I have been waiting forever for this announcement. The eThekwini Municipality shared renders with me earlier today, and they look incredible.
•… pic.twitter.com/BBfmAK37Hq
LEES: Brendan Peyper 'hard launch' sy nuwe verhouding
This redevelopment is part of a larger R2-billion private-sector investment pipeline along the Golden Mile, which also includes projects such as the Joe Kools redevelopment, enhancements to the Elangeni & Maharani hotels, and the City’s long-term beachfront renewal plan.
The park forms part of the City’s strategy to revitalise the beachfront economy, unlock private-sector investment and re-establish Durban as Africa’s premier coastal tourism hub.
If you want to ensure a Durban December in 2026 and be one of the first to see this new park in action, it might already be time to make some plans.
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: iStock