Named after Sir Henry Marion Durand who served as Lieutenant- Governor of Punjab between 1870 and 1871, Durand Road stretches for almost a kilometre between Allama Iqbal Road and Davis Road. It is located in Garhi Shahu, a residential area where investor interest has increased in the past five years.
A rich educational history… Durand Road’s claim to fame has been the fact that is home to some of Lahore’s oldest and most well-reputed educational institutions. These include the prestigious Convent of Jesus and Mary, established in 1876, as well as Queen Mary College, which came into being in 1908. Both buildings are Impressive in terms of their architecture and have been built using red-brick Jodhpur stone.
Food and films… In the iast decade, Durand Road has witnessed the construction of several commercial buildings, many of them serving as the offices for small and mid-sized businesses. Well-known eateries include Kashmir Restaurant, United Fast Food and Butt Bakers, which are frequented by students and professionals. Two of Lahore’s popular movie theatres have been established there recently – the Cine Star Taj Cinema and Crown Cinema Hall.
The real estate take… Commercial property options on Durand Road have increased significantly in the last five years, and include retail and office space in low-rise building, as well as standalone shops. Property prices have increased by five to 10% in the last three years and rentals by nearly 10%. Property is in high demand , primarily due to Durand Road’s central location.
In a nutshell…. Despite increasing commercial development , Durand Road has managed to retain its old-world feel, thanks to the presence of well-known historical landmark found there.
By Maheen Hassan