Plans are afoot for Durban’s iconic Funworld to be acquired by uShaka Marine World as part of the theme park’s growth strategy and presence along the central beachfront, subject to approval at Full Council later this month.
The Economic Development and Planning Cluster tabled a report tabled at an Executive Committee meeting on 3 December to grant project authority for the valuation, negotiation and acquisition of Steyn’s Funworld (amusement park) rides.
With the lease expiring in May 2017, Funworld has continued on a month-to-month lease. Once the lease is terminated, the operator will be expected to remove all the fun and thrill rides installed in the park leaving only the building improvements (immoveable assets) as part of the lease. With uShaka Marine World established for the purpose of contributing to Durban's tourism offerings and being a catalyst to inner city regeneration, acquiring Funworld would be of strategic importance in fulfilling its mandate while growing its offerings and diversifying its revenue streams.
Further to this acquisition, a proposal for the design and construction of a monorail/cable car linking uShaka Marine World to the rebranded and repositioned uShaka Funworld thereby growing UShaka Marine World's offering and enhancing the overall beach experience through a revitalised and repositioned beach attraction that has been a part of the Durban Central Beachfront for decades.
The monorail/cable car would offer an unrivalled tourism and beach experience together with the popular promenade extension. The monorail/cable car is a three phased plan, the first connecting the Marine Park to Funworld thereafter it is to continue past ‘uShaka Funworld’ under phase two and connect to Moses Mabhida via Suncoast. Phase three will connect to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre along Masabalala Yengwa and connect back to the beachfront.
This together with the planned tourism developments such as the giant Ferris Wheel (Durban Eye) and the Passenger Cruise Terminal, which is under construction, Durban is set to claim its rightful place as a global tourism destination.