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Location Overview: Central Business District in Port Moresby
Updated on: February 20, 2025, 3:50 a.m.
Published on: August 12, 2021, 6:42 a.m.
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Location Overview: Central Business District in Port Moresby


The Central Business District of Port Moresby is the commercial heart of Papua New Guinea, home to the Central Bank, Stock Exchange, the Internal Revenue Commission, as well as office towers, hotels, bars and restaurants. It is located on the main peninsula of Port Moresby, nestled between Touaguba Hill to the East, Paga Hill to the West and Ela Beach to the South.

Port Moresby has been inhabited by the  Motu-Koitabu people for centuries, and was sighted by Captain John Moresby of the British Royal Navy in 1873. It was named after his father; Admiral of the Fleet Sir Fairfax Moresby. Now, the Central Business District, typically known as Downtown, is a bustling hive of commercial activity with major developments seen over the past few decades.

It is serviced by two main roads: the Two-Mile Hill Road and the Poreperena Freeway, both of which provide access to other parts of the capital.

Being on a peninsula, it offers almost panoramic views of Fairfax Harbour, Walter Bay and the Coral Sea.

Port Moresby's Central Business District (CBD) serves as the commercial heart of Papua New Guinea, housing key institutions such as the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, and the Internal Revenue Commission. The CBD is situated on the main peninsula of Port Moresby, bordered by Touaguba Hill to the east, Paga Hill to the west, and Ela Beach to the south. This strategic location offers panoramic views of Fairfax Harbour, Walter Bay, and the Coral Sea.

Over recent decades, the CBD has experienced significant development, transforming into a bustling hub of commercial activity. It is accessible via two main roads: the Two-Mile Hill Road and the Poreporena Freeway, both providing connections to other parts of the city.

One of the most prominent roads in the CBD is Champions Parade. On the left side is Harbourside South and the Nobel Centre stands as Papua New Guinea's tallest building. To the right, Burns Philp Haus, one of the oldest buildings in the area, has been recently refurbished and is now occupied by Westpac Bank. Adjacent to it is MRDC Haus, formerly known as Pacific Place, and behind it lies the Steamships Shopping Plaza. Next to the Nobel Centre is Revenue Haus, home to the Internal Revenue Commission, followed by Burns Haus, and further along are the Mogoru Moto Building and MMI Haus. All these buildings are occupied by commercial offices.

On Hunter Street, notable buildings include Defense Haus, Newcrest Haus, and Monian Tower. The CBD also features several hotels, including the Grand Papua Hotel and The Crowne Hotel. Historically, the CBD was the political center of Papua New Guinea, with Parliament Haus located on McGregor Street before its relocation to Waigani. Behind the Old Parliament Haus are the Apex Apartments, Crowne Plaza, and Deloitte Tower, with the Port Terrace Restaurant and Bar nestled in the middle.

Harbourside East and West offer a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops with some of the most spectacular harbour views, with office space above them. Paga Hill is in the background, with Credit Haus and Cuthbertson Building in the foreground.

The Bank of Papua New Guinea is situated to the right, with the BSP Town branch to the left adjoining the iconic Kina Bank Haus, the tall building in the center. APEC Haus and Ela Beach Tower can be seen in the background. To the north of the CBD are Fairfax Harbour, Waterfront shopping centre, the Royal Papua Yacht Club, and Harbour City, all parallel to the Poreporena Freeway.

Additionally, the MRDC Haus, formerly known as Pacific Place, has been renamed to reflect the Mineral Resources Development Company's (MRDC) investment in the building.

The CBD continues to evolve, with ongoing renovations and new developments enhancing its status as the commercial heart of Papua New Guinea.

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