It is one of the few places worldwide that share an identical name with London's famous Downing Street, where the official residence of the British prime minister is located.

Created in the late 19th century, the Straits Settlements government built an administrative complex along the street.

[1] Thus, as is the case in London, Downing Street in George Town was once the seat of government in Penang.

Downing Street was envisioned as part of George Town's civic precinct, and between 1889 and 1907, the government of the Straits Settlements constructed the U-shaped Government Offices along Downing Street.

Japanese and Allied bombers repeatedly attacked this particular location due to its importance as Penang's administrative heart, causing the almost total destruction of the Government Offices.