eThekwini Municipality has announced plans for a R1 billion amusement park at the former Durban Funworld site.

The amusement park will be developed in partnership with two leading Italian amusement engineering firms, well known for projects at Ferrari World, Universal Studios and Disneyland. The project will be led by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers to include “world-class attractions” including the Lightning Roller Coaster, Disko 24, Vertical Swing, and a 1 500m² Virtual Reality Theme Park with more than 160 interactive games and global e-sports activations.

The municipality says the location of the amusement park occupies a prime position along the beachfront promenade with its transformation forming a central part of its long-term strategy to revitalise the beachfront economy. The development will also introduce a new layer of activation and public-real enhancement along the Golden Mile, supported by neon-lit pedestrian walkways, panoramic viewing decks, themed food courts and leisure hubs, as well as ‘park-within-a-park zones catering to all age groups.

Construction is scheduled to commence following the completion of the remaining statutory and commercial processes with completion targeted for 2027.