December 11 2025 14:15
There is talk that a new amusement park, backed by a R1bn private investment, is planned for Durban’s beachfront at the former Funworld site. This is an unprecedented investment for Durban’s beachfront.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said on Wednesday in a press conference that the Durban Amusement Park forms part of a broader R2bn private investment programme, alongside the redevelopment of the old Joe Kools beach bar and upgrades to the Elangeni and Maharani hotel precincts. Xaba said these are projects that the municipality sees as central to its long-term beachfront renewal strategy. The private investor is undiclosed.
Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM) has been appointed by the municipality to deliver the development project.
The park will be developed in partnership with two Italian amusement engineering firms, known for projects at Ferrari World, Universal Studios and Disneyland.
“This project will strengthen Durban’s position as a leading coastal destination and continue to attract visitors to enjoy our warm weather all year round,” Xaba said.
Xaba said the private investor has already invested more than R9m in early-stage development work, including feasibility studies, technical assessments, financial modelling, legal consultations and other professional services.
Xaba said the R1bn commitment for the Durban Amusement Park “marks an important step in attracting investment to the Golden Mile and supporting the city’s broader beachfront renewal plans”.
The amusement park will feature a mix of globally benchmarked attractions, including a lightning roller coaster, Disco 24, a vertical swing, and a 1 500m2 virtual reality theme park with more than 160 interactive games and global e-sports activations.
MCPM is a 100% black-owned company with more than 17 years’ experience in managing large-scale projects.
The city and the developer will operate the development on a 45-year lease. Xaba said the project is expected to create about 900 construction jobs and more than 500 permanent jobs across operations, guest services and technical support. It will be completed in 2027, he said.
The former Funworld, which closed on 1 May 2023, operated on the beachfront for almost five decades.
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