in the days of the british rule, it served as the main city hall of karachi and was the center of karachi's social and cultural activities. "frere hall" was first opened to the public in 1865. its construction started in 1863 and was completed in 1865. built in the venetian gothic architecture style with yellowish karachi limestone and red and grey sandstones from the nearby jungshahi area. frere hall was built in honor of sir henry bartle edward frere, british commissioner in sindh, who was known for promoting economic development in the area of sindh. in its vicinity are the marriott hotel, u.s. consulate, the japanese consulate and the sindh club.