 The building was intended to serve as Karachi's town hall, and was designed by Henry Saint Clair Wilkins, after having been chosen from among 12 possible choices.The building's land was purchased at a cost of 2,000 British Indian rupees, which had been donated by WP Andrew of the Scinde Railway, and Sir Frederick Arthur Bartholomew.The total cost of the Hall was about 180,000 rupees, out of which the Government contributed 10,000 rupees, while the rest was paid for by Karachi municipality.