Tsogo Sun is to initiate a complete redevelopment of Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment – its latest investment in the upgrade of Durban’s Golden Mile, in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal region.

A cash injection of R1.6bn (€89,7m) feeds into the Group’s investments to create a globally competitive beachfront for Durban, through a public/private-sector collaboration that would enhance tourism, GDP growth, and job creation in the region.

The project will bring an additional 8 000sqm of space, to cater for a diverse audience of casino patrons, movie-lovers, families and theatre-goers, on the site of the existing property.

Glenn Joseph, COO of Tsogo Sun Gaming, says: “The redevelopment of Suncoast represents the single largest investment by Tsogo Sun into a property in the history of the group. This investment reflects the confidence we have in Durban, and will help to position the beachfront as a place to experience the very best in world-class entertainment.”

Tsogo Sun’s interests on the Golden Mile reach from Garden Court South Beach on the southern end, to Suncoast on the northern end. This includes five hotels along with Suncoast, spanning 3.3km and representing a total investment of over R370bn (€20.74bn) in the refurbishment of the properties in the last five years.

Originally constructed at a cost of R1.4bn (€78.49m) in 2002, Suncoast has annual foot traffic of around 6.5m entertainment seekers. Joseph comments: “The reinvention of one of Durban’s most-loved entertainment destinations brings more than just a plethora of new restaurants, entertainment facilities, a multi-purpose event venue and family entertainment options to the Durban beachfront – it provides an important addition to the city’s offering as a world-class tourist destination. Durban has the Indian Ocean as a natural asset, and Suncoast brings a globally competitive entertainment experience to the city, delivering yet another reason for tourists to come to Durban and extend their stay.”