Exciting plans for a new amusement park on Durban Beachfront by 2027

In a bold move to revitalise the iconic Durban Beachfront, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has unveiled ambitious plans for a new amusement park at the former Funworld site, set to open its doors by 2027. 

The investor for Durban Amusement Park has experience and a proven track record, said Xaba on Wednesday. 

Xaba announced that the development plans for the amusement park are expected to open in 2027. Xaba said the request for proposal (RFP) was issued in December 2023 and closed in March 2024. He said Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM) was appointed by the municipality to deliver this “modern” urban development project.

The Durban Amusement Park will introduce a globally benchmarked collection of attractions, including:

• Lighting Roller Coaster: a neon-lit 500m track reaching speeds of up to 86 km/h
• Disco 24 and Vertical Swing: high-adrenaline signature rides
• 1500m² Virtual Reality Theme Park featuring more than 160 interactive games and global e-sports activations.

Xaba said this is a 100% black-owned company and that Masithu has over 17 years of experience in managing massive projects. 

Xaba said that the project sponsor has invested over R9 million toward early-stage development work, including feasibility studies, technical assessments, financial modelling, legal consultations, and professional services.

The amusement park forms part of a broader R2 billion private-sector investment which includes the Joe Kools redevelopment and upgrades to the Elangeni and Maharani Hotel precinct, which are a cornerstone of the city’s long-term beachfront renewal strategy.

“We look forward to seeing the Golden Mile become a construction site, signalling the return of investment confidence on the beachfront property portfolio,” Xaba said. 

The former Durban Funworld, which closed on May 1, 2023, had approximately 15 adult and children’s rides as well as statues and arcade games. It was a landmark on the beachfront for nearly five decades and was managed at the end by third-generation operator Nic Steyn. The lease had expired in 2017, and Steyn had been on a month-to-month basis. 

Xaba said the municipality is succeeding in creating a conducive environment for the private sector to grow the tourism sector in Durban. 

“Our success in unlocking the R1bn commitment in the Durban Amusement Park represents a catalytic investment in the Golden Mile, driving world-class entertainment, meaningful economic inclusion, and the continued renewal of Durban’s beachfront,” he said. 

Xaba said the site occupies a prime position and its transformation is an integral part of the City’s long-term strategy to revitalise the beachfront economy, attract private investment, and strengthen Durban’s position as Africa’s leading coastal tourism destination. 

“We are pleased that the project has reached a key milestone with the receipt of formal Expressions of Interest from three development funding institutions. This demonstrates strong institutional appetite for the project and confirms alignment with national priorities for tourism growth, job creation, and transformation,” Xaba said. 

He explained that the municipality’s contribution of the leasehold land remains a crucial enabler in the project’s funding structure. 

“This contribution, classified as an in-kind public investment, enhances bankability, unlocks long-term viability, and ensures inclusive participation for historically disadvantaged developers. Together, these public and private contributions create a robust, multi-partner finance arrangement designed to ensure the sustainability and catalytic impact of the Durban Amusement Park,” he said. 

Xaba said approximately 900 construction jobs will be created and over 500 permanent jobs across operations, guest services, technical support, and entertainment programming.

Xaba said that the collaboration with global partners will guarantee that this project is able to compete with other theme parks found around the world.

“We are happy to have the two Italian-based global leaders in amusement engineering, namely Team Park Project (TPP) and Zamperla. The TTP has contributed to major global attractions such as Ferrari World in the UAE, Fun World Taupo in New Zealand and other flagship parks across Europe, United States and Asia,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Zamperla is operating in more than 95 countries, with over 3200 installations including Disneyland Paris, Universal Studios, and Coney Island’s Luna Park. This collaboration will ensure world-class ride systems, immersive zones, neon-lit architecture and family-friendly leisure design.

To make way for a new, modern splash-park, the paddling pools will need to be relocated. The new splash-park will feature interactive water play zones, shaded rest areas and improved lifeguard facilities. 

“The good news is that it will be fully funded by the developer at no cost to the municipality or the public,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za.