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About US

The Olive Convention Centre commenced trading in 2010 as part of the redevelopment of the “Old Durban Ice Rink”.  The Centre is now the second largest convention and exhibition centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal that can accommodate a multitude of events with a 30 to 1950 delegate capacity at the 10000 square metre facility.

The venue’s strategic location is a 30-minute drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and within the Golden Mile, making it the perfect meeting destination with close proximity to hotels, restaurants, beaches and tourist attractions.

The venue offers practical, user friendly and technologically advanced facilities and comprises four (4) large multi-purpose halls, ten (10) meeting rooms and five (5) boardrooms.

The Olive Convention Centre offers versatility, flexibility and professionalism to create the ideal and perfect space for hosting various events including large conferences, meetings, indoor sports, exhibitions, banquets, and live shows.

The venue offers in-house services and provides convenient and cost-effective options. In-house services include food and beverage, adaptable audio-visual and lighting, high speed internet connectivity Wi-Fi, health and safety services, backup power and secure onsite parking.

The Olive Convention Centre has over a decade of experience in hosting a multitude of successful local and international events.

Vision

The preferred space for individuals to gather for purpose driven events.

Mission

Provide high-quality, convenient and cost effective products and services to clients.

Values

Honesty, win-win, professional courtesy and enhancing corporate social responsibility.

Our Esteemed History

The Centre is a historic landmark that was built in 1955. During the 1970s, the facility became an iconic cinema(Ster Kinekor) within South Africa. Years later, the cinema became unavailable and had to close its doors to the public.

Into the 21st century, and after years of being abandoned and in a state of total disrepair, the building had a glimpse of hope for rehabilitation. This is when the Olive Group stepped in to purchase it in 2009.

The Olive Group had a vision to restore an old, broken facility into what would become a world class Convention Centre and Sports Arena. This vision from inception to completion took 7 years of hard work and dedication. What you see today is a realization of a vision becoming a reality. The new facility is now the second largest Conference and Convention Centre in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

VIEW OUR HISTORY VIDEO

2015
September 24
Reopening as Durban Ice Arena

After almost 20 months of major renovations, the facility officially reopens on Heritage Day as the Durban Ice Arena, with an updated Olympic-sized ice surface and improved facilities.

January 1
Multi-Purpose Venue

The Durban Ice Arena operates as a multi-purpose complex, hosting public skating, ice shows, lessons, events, and functions—combining the rink with convention/exhibition spaces.

2010
January 1
Renovation

Substantial renovations take place on the old Ocean City / ice rink site, preparing it for a modern return.

2008
January 1
New Ownership & Planning

The building and site are bought by investor Sastri Ramiah, who begins plans to redevelop and restore the complex.

1980
January 1
Partially vacant

After the cinema closed around 1980, that section of the building remained unused for many years, and the original ice rink structure went into partial decline.

1970
January 1
Rink Reduced in Size

Part of the original Olympic rink is halved (reduced) to make space for the Ocean City cinema, a popular entertainment venue of the time.

1955
January 1
Original Ice Rink Opens

The Durban Ice Rink opens as an Olympic-sized ice skating facility on Durban’s North Beach, part of the Ocean City complex and a major attraction for locals and tourists.

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Olive Convention Centre

+27 31 337 1110
info@oliveconventioncentre.co.za