Lihir Waterfront Master Plan

Papua New Guinea

Client | Lihir Mining Area Landowners Association, Lihir Sustainable Development Program, Nimamar Rural Local Level Government, Lihir Gold Limited

Study Area | 29ha

Our team was engaged to develop a detailed master plan for the waterfront of Londolovit. The Master Plan covers the most significant and complex public elements of the town.  Lihir (aka Niolam) Island is the largest island in the Lihir Group, in the northern part of New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea. The opening of a large gold mine in 1995, operated by Lihir Gold Limited, has led to a rapid changes of the local society and economy.

The principal public buildings and spaces are within the study area and uses are identified as a set of ‘projects’. Key elements of each are developed in a way that allows the project “owner” to progress the project. The projects include: the Boat Harbour and Marina, Women’s Business Centre, Medical Centre and Library, Cultural Centre and Haus Lihir, and Catholic Church.  The steps toward the implementation of these projects are identified through the Master Plan. Concepts such as ‘Haus Lihir’ and the Town ‘Malal’ are influenced by the local culture. The character of these elements has been directly informed by customary practices and the experience of transformation underway in the villages. The approach represents a continuation of the village layout in the town design. This integrated and consultative approach will ensure the town is “a place for all Lihirians.”