The oldest structure within the police station was built in 1864; a three-storey barrack block constructed adjacent to Victoria Prison.

[1] The bombing was part of a systematic bombardment of the Hong Kong Island's north shore that was launched on that day.

With its long history and antiquated architectural style, the Central Police Station is one of the last physical reminders of Hong Kong's colonial heritage.

By adaptive reuse, the renovated police station compound is intended to become a tourist destination with historical significance, a rarity amongst Hong Kong attractions.

Many compared the initiative with the controversial revitalization of the former Marine Police Headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On 20 October 2010, Hong Kong Jockey Club announced that a heritage-led plan to conserve and revitalise the CPS and transform it into a centre of heritage, arts and leisure.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust agreed to provide the capital cost of the revitalisation of the CPS.