Durban’s Golden Mile to Welcome R1 Billion World-Class Amusement Park by 2027

Excitement is building along Durban’s iconic Golden Mile as the eThekwini Municipality unveils plans for a R1 billion redevelopment of the former Durban Funworld site into a state-of-the-art amusement park, set to open its doors in 2027. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM), marks a pivotal step in the city’s long-term vision to revitalize the beachfront, attract new waves of visitors, and inject fresh energy into one of South Africa’s most beloved coastal destinations.

The new Durban Amusement Park is poised to become a flagship attraction, offering a dynamic blend of high-adrenaline rides and family-friendly experiences. Among the headline features, thrill-seekers can look forward to the Lightning Roller Coaster, the exhilarating Disk’O 24, and the soaring Vertical Swing. For those drawn to cutting-edge entertainment, a 1,500 m² Virtual Reality Theme Park will house over 160 interactive games, promising immersive adventures and global e-sports activations .

What sets this development apart is its international pedigree. The park’s design is being crafted in partnership with two renowned Italian engineering firms, celebrated for their work on global icons such as Ferrari World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. This collaboration ensures that Durban’s new attraction will meet the highest standards of safety, innovation, and visitor experience, positioning it as a must-visit destination for both local and international travelers .

Strategically located on the beachfront, the amusement park will introduce a vibrant new energy to the promenade. The master plan includes neon-lit walkways that enhance safety and create a lively night-time atmosphere, panoramic viewing decks offering sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean, and themed food courts and leisure hubs designed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Activity zones will be tailored for all age groups, ensuring that families, groups, and solo adventurers alike find something to enjoy. Importantly, the park will maintain an alcohol-free, family-focused environment, reinforcing its appeal as a safe and inclusive space for everyone .

This redevelopment is more than just an entertainment upgrade—it is a cornerstone of Durban’s broader strategy to boost tourism, stimulate economic growth, and create new opportunities for local businesses. The project is expected to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases, while also supporting the city’s hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. By activating the promenade day and night, the amusement park will help extend visitor stays and increase overall spend, benefitting the entire tourism value chain.

For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the Durban Amusement Park represents a compelling new product to promote. 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 focus on safety, accessibility, and innovative experiences aligns with evolving traveler expectations, while its integration with the beachfront’s existing amenities ensures seamless connectivity to hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites.

The project’s delivery by MCPM, a Durban-based company with a strong track record in major urban developments, further underscores the city’s commitment to quality and local empowerment. The amusement park is part of a broader R2 billion private-sector investment pipeline along the Golden Mile, signaling confidence in Durban’s future as a leading tourism hub.

As construction gears up to begin next year, anticipation is mounting for the transformation of the former Funworld site—a location that served Durban’s residents and visitors for nearly five decades before closing in 2023. The new park will not only fill the gap left by Funworld’s departure but will also elevate the city’s leisure offering to international standards, attracting new audiences and reinforcing Durban’s status as a premier destination on the continent.

Looking ahead, the Durban Amusement Park is set to redefine the city’s tourism landscape. Its blend of thrilling rides, immersive digital experiences, and vibrant public spaces will create a magnet for year-round visitation, supporting the city’s goals of increased arrivals and higher visitor spend. For African tourism professionals, this development offers a timely opportunity to refresh Durban’s positioning in the market and inspire travelers with a bold new reason to explore the Golden Mile.