Beverley Centre’s parking issue needs attention of authorities concerned

Islamabad

How things change -- once a sleepy dark market located at the centre of busy Blue Area today presents a picture in contrast.

The Beverley Centre market located on Nazimuddn Road has become the favourite haunt of hundreds of people who turn up to eat, drink and shop each day, clogging the parking lot, especially on weekends and late evenings.

Slick Mercedes Benzes, BMWs, Land Cruisers and Prados are among vehicles often seen parked here, an indication of the kind of people the market attracts.

This was one shopping spot in Islamabad that used to close down just as the sun set. However, the arrival of a few coffee shops heralded change. Soon, others opened up and then a few more eateries began operations and the shopping had a completely new face and culture.

Several of the restaurants and cafes stay open past midnight with most people enjoying their meals and drinks sitting inside and enjoying the trendy interior and music or outside the restaurants enjoying the spring winds.

Long ago there were no eateries in this market -- just a couple of garment shops, few international brands, a hair salon, a few designer furniture sellers and a gym. Mostly dollar-earning foreigners preferred shopping here because of which prices of merchandise have always been on the higher side.

Today as the market stands transformed, parking remains an issue that needs immediate attention. Since the busiest spot of the market faces the residential area of F 6/1, the haphazard parking creates problems for the residents. A big parking area created with the metro station is located nearby but it is hardly used by the visitors.

The situation is such that on weekends, some people have to park on pavements or in the streets nearby. The issue could soon get out of hand if the city fathers do not do some intelligent thinking and move quickly.

Indeed this place now stands apart from other markets in the capital. There is something about it. Some would say it is the location that makes it a stand out; others believe that its exclusive shops and outlets are the reason for its uniqueness.

Ask the visitors and they will tell you why they love this place so much. "It's the food that attracts me and that is why I keep returning here," says Hira Aftab, a student; "I like the quality food and the unique style introduced by every outlet- shows the entrepreneur capability of our people," says her friend Tania Shafi.

Whatever be the case, Beverley Centre is one place that is 100 per cent loveable for food lovers.