eThekwini Municipality is pushing ahead with plans to boost uShaka Marine World and the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). A proposed World Trade Centre forming part of efforts to attract investment and revitalise the inner city was discussed during a strategic meeting chaired by city manager Musa Mbhele. The meeting brought together the executive leadership of the Durban Marine Theme Park, which operates uShaka Marine World and the Durban ICC.
The proposed World Trade Centre Durban (WTCD) aims to establish a dedicated office footprint to attract international trade, commerce and investment to the city. The municipality is considering acquiring the Smart Xchange building to house the WTCD. A proposal to close Walnut Road is also being considered to create an integrated precinct. Both proposals remain subject to municipal approval and public participation processes.
The meeting also focused on measures to improve operational efficiency, fill vacant director positions and invest in infrastructure at uShaka Marine World and the Durban ICC. The City said both facilities are key contributors to tourism, investment and job creation in the city. uShaka Marine World is an anchor development within the Point Waterfront precinct attracting domestic and international visitors.
uShaka Marine World supports local hotels, restaurants and retail businesses. The Durban ICC continues to position the city as a leading destination for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The Durban ICC attracts meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, contributing to visitor spending and economic activity in the city.
The municipality said the interventions are aimed at safeguarding the City’s tourism assets and enabling both entities to fulfil their mandates effectively. The plans form part of eThekwini’s broader efforts to revitalise the inner city as a vibrant, competitive destination and create an environment that supports economic growth and employment.
The City said uShaka, located in the Point Waterfront precinct, attracts domestic and international visitors who support local businesses. The municipality is working to ensure both uShaka Marine World and the Durban ICC continue to contribute to the city's economic growth.
The proposed developments are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism industry. Key stakeholders will continue to engage on the plans, which are set to boost the city's profile as a premier destination.
Key points
- eThekwini Municipality plans to boost uShaka Marine World and Durban ICC with a proposed World Trade Centre.
- The proposed World Trade Centre Durban aims to attract international trade, commerce and investment to the city.
- The plans form part of eThekwini’s broader efforts to revitalise the inner city and create an environment that supports economic growth and employment.
