A R70 million private investment will redevelop a key property on Durban’s Golden Mile, with total costs expected to reach R100 million once tenant fit-outs are complete.

The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that preferred bidder Imvusa (Pty) Ltd has secured funding to transform 137 Lower Marine Parade into a larger commercial precinct.

The development will more than double the site’s commercial space from 1 700 square metres to 4 000 square metres.

Major food brands sign on

Several food and hospitality brands have signed leases for the development, including Steers, Fishaways, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Milky Lane, Nonna’s Riviera, and Perere by Gushima.

Nonna’s Riviera will open its first Durban outlet as part of the project, expanding beyond its Johannesburg base.

Construction is set to start in January 2027, following the completion of statutory planning processes and lease agreements.

Job creation doubles

The redevelopment will create significant employment opportunities along the beachfront.

Permanent positions at the site will increase from 85 to approximately 170, with Nonna’s Riviera accounting for 33 jobs. The construction phase will create an additional 80 jobs.

Growing foot traffic

The project comes as the beachfront promenade continues to attract growing numbers of visitors.

The Golden Mile, a paved walkway stretch of beachfront, sandy coastline and promenade, recorded 17.45 million pedestrian movements in 2025, representing a 20% increase from the previous year.

Between January and September 2026, the area registered 11.25 million pedestrian movements.

Timeline and handover

Construction was originally scheduled to begin in June 2026 but was postponed to allow for the conclusion of legal proceedings related to vacant possession.

Remaining occupants must vacate the property by 15 January 2027, with site handover taking place immediately after.

The municipality said the development aims to open for trading during the 2027/28 festive season.