Catering to the entertainment-starved

Located on the Native Jetty Bridge, the Port Grand project promises to change the peoples' way of spending leisure hours.

KARACHI: Located on what was originally the Native Jetty Bridge (Netti Jetti Pull), the Port Grand project promises to change the way in which the people of Karachi spend their leisure hours.

They will not only have a food street that rivals the best in other cities of the world, but will in itself be one mega food and entertainment complex, providing Karachiites with a place to unwind, away from the stress and chaos of the city.

Despite all that it promises to offer, the Port Grand project of the Grand Leisure Corporation has both a strange sense of location as well as timing. At a time when many city ventures have either been shut or postponed due to the recession affecting real estate and the economy, the fact that millions are being poured into this venture is puzzling.

As for the site, which is historical in many respects, may not be the right choice to set up a food street owing to the noise pollution by large trucks and trailers that make their way overhead from the port. Also nearby is the Napier Mole Bridge where hundreds of people assemble every evening to feed the birds and the fish.

But Shahid Firoz, the man behind the project, says that once people enter into the calm environs of Port Grand, all else “will soon be forgotten.” Firoz says that he is confident that people from all over the city will flock here to enjoy the atmosphere he and his team have tried to create.

There are many who argue this is an elitist project. But then, ask others, why has Karachi been deprived of such projects in the past, given that most cities around the world also have such places for entertainment and leisure?

The plans are very positive. The project that initially started as a small undertaking in 2005 is now in its final stages and has multiple attractions for the entertainment-starved population of the city. “We see crying faces all over because the state has not given them a reason to laugh,” comments Firoz, adding that Port Grand is one destination that will provide entertainment to the masses as well as inform them of the historical and cultural heritage of the city. Visitors would be charged an entry fee of Rs200.

Elaborating on the main attractions of Port Grand, Firoz mentioned the Temple Point, a monument made to accentuate the historical significance of the 150-year-old Hindu Temple that lies beyond followed by The Galleria, which is a shopping point. A supermarket will also be housed within the port.

However, the true nature of the entertainment spot comes to action as one proceeds towards the 1,400-feet long Native Jetty Bridge where the Mermaid’s Place is located. This is the food street that has local as well as international chains of restaurants displaying a variety of cuisine from your local Dahi Baras and chaats, Paan and Gola Ganda to the Café Aylanto and noodle bars.

Next in line is The Promenade, a tram ride bordering the Mermaid’s Place that will link the port grandeur to the festive mood of dining. At the end lies a theatre to make the journey all the more worthwhile.

The Napier’s Tavern is another dining lodge for the corporate of the city that will offer a spectacular view of the Karachi harbour. What further makes the lodge unique is its architecture, the stone and wood used for the interior is similar to the centuries-old bridge to retain the essence of the port.

There is also the Art Lane that provides young artists with an opportunity to display their talent and love for art. The lane connects the overhead bridge to the park where live portraits would be displayed. Facing the village is The Decks that will also provide a stage for amateur talents.

Another exclusive feature of the whole experience is the boat ride that offers an exquisite view of the Mangroves surrounding the port. “Our country has the world’s largest area of arid climate mangroves and yet our children were unaware of their significance and existence; this boat tour will teach them all,” promises Firoz.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2010.