Durban’s North Beach and Golden Mile area will soon be classed alongside major beach locations of the world, from Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro to Bondi Beach in Australia.
Those were the words of Durban Tourism CEO, Philip Sithole, last year when he first announced the extension of the Golden Mile as one of the 25 catalytic projects being implemented by the city. The area is set to be extended by 750m, beyond uShaka Marine World to the harbour entrance.
The construction of the Point Waterfront Promenade extension commenced in January 2018 and is expected to be completed at the end of September 2019. The first phase comprises a residential tower, retail mall and a hotel. Public amenities include change rooms and ablutions, and a lifeguard facility is planned for the centre of the promenade. Restaurants will add to the Durban dining experience.
According to Sithole, the catalytic projects will have a huge economic and social impact. He told TU: “This exciting project, whilst unlocking development in the Point precinct, further enhances the current offering along the beachfront, with a total investment value of R30bn-R35bn, annual rates of R200m, and 6 750 permanent jobs.”
Mike Jackson, Tsogo Sun Director of Operations, KwaZulu region, says today’s cosmopolitan, world-class promenade is a far cry from the beachfront of the ‘70s. “With its wide stretch of golden sands, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the Durban area.”
According to Jackson, there is no doubt that this investment by the eThekwini Council has already impacted positively on tourism to the area, and the council’s continued emphasis on the beachfront will undoubtedly reap further rewards.
Meanwhile the construction of a Durban Film City is also in the works. The development will be anchored by eThekwini Film Studios and will comprise sound stages and production workshops, a Walk of Fame, TV studios, editing suites, a Back Lot set area and a Museum of South African Cinema.
It is expected this development will become a world-class mixed-use facility and two major hotel groups have reportedly already shown interest in the development.
There are still a few hiccups to overcome before the project can take off – the studio is earmarked for the old Natal Command Site, which is owned in part by the SA National Defence Force. The municipality is actively pursuing the transfer of the land from state to city, but there have been delays.
Jackson explains the development of the eThekwini Movie Studios will make Durban a competitive alternative to Cape Town, which is a highly sought-after film destination, making South Africa an even more attractive destination for the international film industry.
These new developments could all bring Durban’s City Centre back on to the radar of international tour operators, who currently favour the more luxurious Umhlanga north of the CBD.
Marguerite Smit, Consultant for Travel Beyond, explains that although the Golden Mile and North Beach offer the best beach access, The Oyster Box in Umhlanga is by far the most luxurious hotel. She says Durban’s Golden Mile is also often overcrowded during the annual vacation periods or over school holidays, as visitors from Gauteng flock there.
However, there are quite a few interesting attractions already on offer at North Beach.
Swimming pools
The swimming pools along the promenade have been entirely revamped and are a welcome entertainment option for children with fun slides and kiddies’ pools.
uShaka Marine World recently renovated its kids’ pools with new slides and water features for the smallest ones.
Restaurants
The all-new, refurbished Cargo Hold Restaurant at uShaka Marine World has recently been honoured with a Platinum accolade on the Diners Club International Wine List awards.
Moyo on the Pier is a firm favourite with both international and local travellers, as the restaurant offers the most amazing views of the Indian Ocean.
Further along the promenade a few unique little restaurants await visitors. Afro’s chicken shop is a uniquely African fast-food stop. The restaurant, housed in bright yellow containers, uses no preservatives and no foreign additives, ‘keeping it real’.
The Joint Jazz Café is the newest eatery. It brings the township vibe to the city by serving shisa nyama (meat, braaied the township way) along with the warmth and welcome that is traditional to township taverns. The Lounge, a second level of this venue, is a comfortable setting where urban musicians and jazz aficionados hang out to listen to live music and inspired DJ sets till late at night.
Active Lifestyle
For those wanting to keep fit, the Durban promenade offers several fitness stops installed by the city.
It is also very popular for leisurely bike rides. There are various places to hire bicycles along the promenade where travellers can rent cruisers (comfortable, easy-riding bikes with padded seats) or mountain bikes. Segways are also available for rental.
Xpressions on the Beach is the place to go for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and surfing lessons. Addington Beach, the home of Xpressions, is the ideal beginner’s playground and reportedly the best beach in KZN to learn to surf as it is protected from big swell.
The Point Waterfront
Although a lot is still on the cards for this exciting new area of Durban, the trendy Point Waterfront already boasts some attractive tourist sites.
Situated next to the new Durban Waterfront and upmarket Point Development, the Waterfront Hotel and Spa and Conference Venue caters for both holidaymakers and business travellers. The hotel also features a vibey restaurant called Wodka.
For the romantics, the Point Waterfront offers gondola rides along the canals. Each gondola is eight metres long, can accommodate up to four adult passengers, and has been embellished with African design and an ethnic touch.
For beer-lovers, Robsons Brewery offers beer-tasting tours with head brewer, Brian Stewart, offering visitors an insight into the brewing process.
