Heartbreaking Farewell: Iconic Durban Funworld to Close Its Doors After 50 Years of Operation

• Durban Funworld, a beloved beachfront amusement park that has been in operation for over 50 years, is set to close on May 1
• Owner Nic Steyn, a third-generation operator of the facility, cites issues with securing a lease and deterioration of the beachfront as the main reasons for the closure
• He had been trying to sell the amusement rides and assets to a suitable operator for over a decade

According to owner Nic Steyn, Durban Funworld, a beloved amusement park on the Golden Mile beachfront, will close its doors on May 1, 2023, IOL reports. The amusement rides and other facility assets will be sold off, marking the end of an era for the popular destination. Steyn, a third-generation operator of the facility, expressed his sadness over the closure, calling it a sad day for Durban and the beachfront.

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Steyn's father, Nic Steyn Senior, opened Durban Funworld in 1977 and made history by opening the park to all races, becoming the first public entity to do so. Despite his efforts to find a suitable operator to take over the business and mentor them, Steyn said he could not secure a lease for the premises from the eThekwini Municipality.

Durban Funworld to Close After Over 50 Years of Operation

Steyn explained his difficulties finding an operator to take over the business over the years. He said he had spent the past 12 years trying to sell the amusement rides and other assets of Durban Funworld to a suitable operator.

"Over the years, I've had numerous purchasers approach me to purchase Durban Funworld as a going concern, but they have all hit the same stumbling block of not securing a lease for the premises from its landlord, the eThekwini Municipality," he said.

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Impact of closure on Beachfront

Steyn expressed his sadness over the deterioration of the beachfront in recent years, stating that he did not want to add to the degradation. However, after operating on a month-to-month basis for six years, he said the situation had become untenable, leaving him with no choice but to add to the degradation of the beachfront. He noted that establishing an amusement park is a capital-intensive business.

On a positive note, the eThekwini Municipality will launch the Open Streets Florida Road pilot project to benefit pedestrians and boost foot traffic. The project aims to create a safe and vibrant environment for residents and visitors, providing opportunities for social interaction and economic development.

In conclusion, the closure of Durban Funworld marks the end of an era for the iconic beachfront facility, with owner Nic Steyn expressing his sadness over the decision. However, the Open Streets Florida Road pilot project presents an opportunity to boost foot traffic and create a more vibrant environment for Durban residents and visitors.

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Severe thunderstorm hits KwaZulu-Natal

In other KZN stories, Briefly News reported a severe thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds and hail that swept through Empangeni and other areas in northern KwaZulu-Natal, causing widespread damage. According to TimesLive, the storm resulted in structural damage, road closures, and displacement of residents whose homes were hit. Municipal buildings, including the Empangeni civic centre and fire station, Richards Bay Airport, business premises and hospitals, were also affected.

Source: Briefly News