The Ratanga Junction theme park, Cape Town, will permanently close on May 1st 2018 – following years of decline in visitor numbers.
The Rabie Property Group bought the park in 2005. They announced on Tuesday that the park would be redeveloped into a “mixed-use precinct”. The theme park this year celebrated its 18th year of operation.
Director, John Chapman, told IOL that the redevelopment would “embrace the existing canals, island, and public open space, and include residential apartments, offices, hotels, restaurants and convenience retail.”
“The oversized facility, lack of consistent demand for a theme park, seasonal weather, expensive maintenance and running costs, as well as the ageing equipment, had all contributed to an unprofitable facility when we acquired it.”
The operation has been downsizing for some time – with the closure of popular rides such as Crocodile George and Diamond Devil. Chapman said that as part of downsizing the company had “closed the park during off season, added an all-year round conference facility, and managed the theme park so that it now washes itself. However, this is not sufficient to justify its continued existence because rides need to be renewed and revenue cannot support the high capital costs.”
Cape Town is now left without an outdoor theme park.
Image Courtesy of Ratanga Junction via Facebook
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/ratanga-junction-theme-park-confirms-closure-date-for-2018/