Downing Street

Lebuh Downing

Downing Street, or Lebuh Downing, is the street within the Central Business District of George Town. Named after the famous Downing Street in London which is the location of the official residence of the British prime minister, Penang's Downing Street was where the British built their government offices. The land on which Downing Street is located was reclaimed around 1886. Immediately thereafter, government offices (called simply "Government Offices") were erected there in phases. The Government Offices eventually formed a "U" with the last section completed in 1907. This section is the only one still standing, as the rest were destroyed during the Second World War. It serves as the Islamic Council Building today.

Much of Downing Street is taken up by the car park for civil servants. The Penang General Post Office is located at the international-style Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra built around 1960. Beside it is the HSBC Building built after the war.

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross the pedestrian bridge and then turn right, walk along Pengkalan Weld, and you'd eventually arrive at Downing Street on your left. You can also take Rapid Penang Free Shuttle Bus, get down at Station No. 19 (Lebuh Downing).

Sights along Downing Street

Click for list of Streets of George Town

Downing Street sign (12 November 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Downing Street Location Map

Photos of Downing Street

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Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.