Durban's Lower Marine Parade area is set to be transformed through a multimillion-rand redevelopment that will lead to the establishment of several hospitality businesses.
The eThekwini Municipality revealed that the redevelopment could cost close to R100 million. The announcement has been welcomed by city councillors, who argue that the area is key to attracting tourists, retaining investors and creating jobs.
However, the development has drawn mixed reactions from the public. The municipality said in a statement that its "programme to attract private investment to the Golden Mile has reached a key milestone".
Preferred bidder Imvusa (Pty) Ltd has secured more than R70 million to redevelop 137 Lower Marine Parade. Total private-sector investment is expected to approach R100 million once tenant fit-outs are complete. Construction is set to commence in January 2027, following the completion of statutory planning processes and the signing of leases.
The project will expand the commercial footprint from 1,700m² to 4,000m², a 135% increase in usable space. Signed leases are in place with food and hospitality brands, including Steers, Fishaways, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Milky Lane, Nonna's Riviera and Perere by Gushima. This will introduce Nonna's Riviera to Durban for the first time outside Johannesburg.
The redevelopment will double the number of permanent positions at the site, from 85 to approximately 170, with Nonna's Riviera accounting for 33 jobs. An additional 80 jobs will be created during construction, the municipality said.
The project follows sustained growth along the beachfront promenade, which recorded 17.45 million pedestrian movements in 2025, a 20% single-year increase. Momentum continued into 2026, with 11.25 million movements recorded between January and September.
Construction was rescheduled from June 2026 while legal proceedings concerning vacant possession were concluded. Remaining occupants must vacate by 15 January 2027, with site handover taking place immediately afterwards. The development aims to open for trading during the 2027/28 festive season.
IFP councillor Mdu Nkosi said the party welcomed the development of the Golden Mile.
"The area, along with all the areas along the beach, is a prime site in eThekwini that attracts visitors. As the IFP, we welcome the fact that a developer has been found to redevelop the area," Nkosi said, adding that the area was key to tourism.
"When Durban Tourism promotes the city, these are the areas that it highlights. It is therefore important that they are kept in good condition in order to attract tourists and ensure that Durban remains their preferred destination when they visit," he said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said he supports eThekwini, and described Durban as the heartbeat of the province. He said when people visit areas such as the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, they often start their trips in Durban. The development will create job opportunities, while the investment will remain in the city through new activities and businesses.
Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC) leader Patrick Pillay said the party welcomed the development of Lower Marine Parade.
"It will most certainly bring a major facelift to the current façade of the area. The DLC hopes that the upgrade will create a dynamic city atmosphere that will attract tourists and make Durban a destination of choice," said Pillay.
"This private investment will not create a burden for ratepayers. Instead, it will promote a private partnership of excellence, create temporary jobs during construction and provide permanent employment once the project is completed. This project is exciting, and Durban will once again be the shining city," said Pillay.
Durban residents said while they welcomed the development, they had concerns about possible corruption and whether the project would get off the ground. One resident posted online: "Watch the money and how they stick bricks together, with the balance left in their pockets." Another said: "It is very sad because all those franchises have been there for a very long time. To pick only a few is really heartbreaking. It is good to upgrade, but you have to accommodate those that are already there."