Ratanga revived at mall

Canal Walk Shopping Centre is reviving Ratanga Junction.

The iconic theme park closed last year, but Canal Walk has announced a multi-million-rand project that will see a revamp of its food court and outside areas and facilitate the inclusion of a new attraction, The Ratanga Family Entertainment Centre.

“Being very much family oriented, Canal Walk Shopping Centre saw the long-term value in investing in this development with Ratanga World Ltd, as this will enhance the overall shopping experience, and speaks to shopping centres in South Africa remaining key destinations for retail and family activities.

“We will see a number of the amusement exhibits find a new home with us, while at the same time, our food court will undergo a significant upgrade to provide a world-class food experience for all palates,” said Gavin Wood, CEO at Canal Walk.

While the focus of the activities will be on the under 12s, there will still be plenty of lekker options for teenagers and the young at heart.

The park will include international rides such as White Water Slides, the famous Peter Petz carousel, Lady Bugz kids Ferris Wheel, Convoys Trucks, Maasai Swings, My Citi Bus ride, the Zip Line, Bubble Boats (kiddie paddle boats), adult paddle boats (on canal), Canal Boat tours, the Temperance Flyer train (locomotive touring from Canal Walk to Central Park), and the Stargazer water tube ride.

A cashless system will be used via a Ratanga card on a pay-per-ride model.

Pricing range from R20 and under for rides, and the centre is expected to open before year-end.

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