The investment into creating a globally competitive beachfront for Durban continues unabated in a public and private sector collaboration that will result in untold benefits in job creation, tourism and growth in GDP for the region.
One of the largest corporate investors into the Golden Mile’s upgrade, Tsogo Sun, will soon be bringing its latest investment to life, in the form of the completely redeveloped Suncoast, which has received a cash injection of R1,6 billion.
Commenting at the opening of Suncoast’s Salon Privé, COO of Tsogo Sun Gaming, Glenn Joseph, 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.”
The project includes an additional 8 000 square metres of space, carefully planned to deliver on the needs of a diverse audience including casino patrons, movie-lovers, families and theatre-goers, on the site of the existing Suncoast property, which is spectacularly located on the Golden Mile.
Tsogo Sun’s interests on the Golden Mile extend from Garden Court South Beach on the southern end to Suncoast on the northern end, with five hotels and Suncoast spanning 3,3 kilometres and representing a total investment of over R370 million into the refurbishment of the properties in the last five years.
Originally constructed at a cost of R1.4 billion in 2002, Suncoast has an annual footfall of around 6,5 million entertainment-seekers. Comments Joseph, “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.”