The Chinese population were later forced to relocate from Central to the Tai Ping Shan area due to a series of fires.

It housed Chinese furniture dealers, joiners, cabinet makers and curio shops.

[3] Due to its proximity of Naval Yard and the construction of cantonment, the bazaar, shops and civil tenement had to be moved.

The building was largely abandoned from 2003, with few stores along a renovated pedestrian corridor inside, Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade (中環購物廊).

On Sunday, one side of the corridor was a popular gathering place among Filipino domestic workers.

The renovation retained some original architectural structures,[4] such as some market stalls and its iconic stairwell.

The market is spacious with a central court, high ceiling and window walls for natural light and ventilation.

In the early days, the root floor were offices and quarters of hygiene inspectors and other staff.