riving down Johar Town’s Main Boulevard towards Shaukat Khanum Hospital, one cannot miss signboards of Lahore Global Village. A short detour will lead you to the arena’s fort-like walls. Welcome to the freshly opened ‘concept marketplace.’

The imposing gate and walls of the place spell grandeur. Stags are denied entry. A bunch of gun-toting guards are there to shoo away any miscreants. Inside, a confluence of traditional and modern designs greets the visitors.

“You can call it a gated and walled Anarkali Bazaar, or Liberty, or [DHA] Y-Block Market,” says Habib Nawaz, chairman of Genesis Properties, the firm managing the LGV.

“Its thematic versatility, approach to planning and a secure environment set it apart.” The excitement in his voice is palpable. The journey so far, Nawaz says, hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Envisioned in 2016 as a Walk & Shop Arena by the Lahore Development Authority, the project has courted controversy along the way. Its critics say that the LDA, tasked with enforcement of urban regulations and bylaws, should not be a developer or operator of commercial ventures.

Over the years, the project has consumed huge amounts of funds. According to records, Rs 590 million was allocated for the LGV in 2019, Rs 480 million in 2018, and Rs 450 million per annum in the subsequent years. These figures do not include the costs incurred during its lease by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority.

Some urban planners say that LDA’s involvement in such projects distracts it from its core responsibilities. LDA’s basic function, they say, is to regulate urban development, not to create commercial spaces. The diversion into commercial ventures, they say, has been at the expense of Lahore’s urban planning needs.

The LGV now operates under Genesis Properties, which has blended it with a vision of cultural inclusivity and entertainment. The market spans 130 kanals and features five themed pavilions — Chinese, Mughal, Spanish, Italian and American. Each pavilion seeks to capture the architectural essence of the respective culture.

However, the ambitious global themes have faced practical limitations. “It’s unlikely that brands and eateries representing various cultures will set up shop here,” says Nawaz. “Pakistan has a limited supply of Chinese and Italian brands, let alone Spanish- and Mughal-themed outlets. But the embassies might support this venture, and private individuals could take interest in our mission to explore global cultures.”

Meanwhile, he says, “We’ve secured local collaborations like Cocoo’s and Mocca to bridge the gap. It’s a work in progress. We’re optimistic.”

visit to the facility reveals a lot of activity areas. A families’ lounge overlooks a play area for the children. The food street, operational since November last year, has already attracted 13 eateries. These range from fast food to traditional cuisines.

According to Nawaz, footfalls average 8,000-10,000 daily. The number goes up to 15,000 on weekends.

The LGV’s appeal lies in its open-air design, which many visitors find a refreshing change from conventional indoor mall areas. Muhammad Ishtiaq, a middle-aged school owner, visiting the place with his family, tells TNS, “We’ve been curious about this place as we pass by it daily. Today, we decided to explore it.

“It is decidedly different from other marketplaces. The open-air spaces feel nice.”

For shopkeepers, however, the excitement is tinged with a sense of uncertainty. Many stalls remain unoccupied. Renovation is going on in some parts. Nawaz acknowledges that shop occupancy has been slower than expected. “The economic situation has not helped,” he says. “Retailers are struggling with rising taxes and electricity rates and other material costs. Yet, we are making progress.”

The LGV offers a variety of attractions and positions itself as a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and recreation. The amphitheatre, the centre piece of the arena, has already started hosting musical nights, qawwali performances, and family events. Recently, a private school held its fundraiser here.

The rooftop features sports facilities such as padel tennis and futsal, adding a dynamic element to the visitors’ experience. Activities for children include magic shows and circus.

Nawaz hopes that the LGV will prove to be “Pakistan’s leading entertainment hub.” He has some ambitious additions in the pipeline. These include a theme park, which features rides, cricket courts and gaming zones. 80 percent of the project is expected to become operational this year.

Nawaz is quick to extend his gratitude to the CBD Punjab “for placing confidence in us, and enabling us to deliver a high-quality recreational facility to Lahoris.”

Ahsan Malik is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship