Durban – Durban’s planned R980 million amusement park has secured approval for project development funding, bringing a major beachfront attraction closer to construction after the closure of the iconic Durban Funworld in 2023.
The eThekwini Municipality announced the funding milestone on Wednesday, saying the project had completed its design stage, with technical planning underway. Statutory development work is expected to continue until the end of the first quarter of 2027, with construction to follow.
“With funding approved, the development has completed its design stage, and technical planning work is underway,” the municipality said in a statement published on its official website.
#Durban is set to get a new R1 billion amusement park by 2027, replacing the old Funworld site on the Golden Mile.
Plan includes roller coasters, VR zones, family attractions & food courts — part of eThekwini’s drive to revive the beachfront & tourism.
#KeDezemba Broos | Vini https://t.co/PWZbHMU5tX
— Africa Affair Journal (@AffairAfrica) December 11, 2025
The attraction will be developed on the former Durban Funworld site along the city’s Golden Mile beachfront.
The proposed park will feature multiple rides, an extended reality and digital entertainment zone, retail facilities and an upgraded amphitheatre designed to host events. Its combination of indoor and outdoor attractions is intended to allow year-round operations, including during rainy weather and in the evenings.
Tourism and jobs boost
The municipality expects the development to create approximately 1,400 jobs across construction and operations, while incorporating local small businesses into its supply chain.
The Golden Mile attracts more than 17 million promenade visits annually, and the city hopes the new attraction will encourage visitors to spend more time and money at nearby hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses.
“The park is designed to give those visitors more reasons to stay longer, return more often and spend more in surrounding hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses,” the municipality said.
The project has also been identified by the National Department of Tourism as a key tourism infrastructure development, following its 2026 call for projects.
The SABC News previously reported in December 2025 that the project was expected to cost about R1 billion and form part of Durban’s broader efforts to revitalise its beachfront economy.
Replacing Durban Funworld
The new development will occupy the site of Durban Funworld, which closed in May 2023 after 75 years of operation.
The former amusement park’s closure followed difficulties surrounding its lease agreement with the municipality. Its former owner, Nic Steyn, told the SABC at the time that operating on a month-to-month lease had become financially unfeasible.
The new project is expected to restore a permanent, ride-based family entertainment attraction to Durban’s beachfront.
However, construction has not yet begun, and the municipality has not announced an opening date. The project must first progress through the remaining statutory and approval processes.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
