Durban’s Golden Mile Revitalized with Major Investments

Durban’s Golden Mile is set for a major transformation, with several projects planned to revitalize the area over the next two years. The city’s beachfront is attracting significant private-sector interest, with investments in hotel refurbishments, a rejuvenated amusement park, and a restaurant redevelopment.

Promenade extension and increased foot traffic

The eThekwini Municipality has invested R380 million ($23.1 million) in extending the beachfront promenade. This investment has paid off, with the promenade recording 17.45 million pedestrian movements in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year. Between January and September 2026, another 11.25 million movements were recorded, indicating a continued rise in foot traffic.

According to Senzelwe Mzila, spokesperson for the municipality, the increasing activity supports efforts to attract private investment to the beachfront. However, it remains uncertain how individual developments will impact tourism demand.

Major hotel upgrades and long-term investments

Southern Sun is making one of the largest investments in the area with its refurbishment program, which includes major upgrades to four beachfront hotels. In October 2025, the company signed a 50-year lease with the eThekwini Municipality for the Elangeni and Maharani hotel towers, securing its long-term presence on the beachfront.

The program allocates R622 million ($37.7 million) for upgrading the two towers and R157 million ($9.5 million) for movable assets. An additional R348 million ($21.1 million) is designated for two other Southern Sun-owned hotels: Garden Court South Beach and The Edward. These upgrades aim to modernize facilities and enhance the beachfront’s hospitality offering.

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The municipality is also investing R5 million in public spaces, specifically for the restoration and maintenance of Sunken Gardens, a municipal park opposite the Elangeni and Maharani hotels.

New dining, retail, and entertainment options

The former Joe Cool’s site at 137 Lower Marine Parade is being redeveloped to introduce new food, retail, and hospitality options. Imvusa, the preferred bidder, has secured R70 million ($4.2 million) for the project, with total private-sector investment expected to reach nearly R100 million ($6.1 million) once tenants complete their fit-outs.

The development will feature a variety of restaurants and food outlets, including national franchises. Construction is set to begin in January 2027, with an opening planned for the 2027/28 festive season.

Another key development is the Durban Amusement Park, located on the former Funworld site. The MCPM Group holds a 45-year lease for the park, which will include 13 rides, a virtual reality arena, an exhibition space, an events venue, and boutique food options.

The amusement park is privately funded, with the developer responsible for financing, developing, and operating it. The Department of Tourism has included the park in its R3.5 billion ($212.4 million) tourism investment pipeline, recognizing its potential as a major attraction. However, inclusion in the pipeline does not guarantee secured funding.