[1] Its archway was completed in 1987 on Faulkner Street in Manchester city centre,[2] which contains Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Malaysian, Singaporean, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, shops, bakeries and supermarkets.

[5] A Chinese immigration wave began in the 1950s,[6][7] when there were severe labour shortages, and in response to the British Nationality Act 1948 which allowed easier access into the country.

By the 1970s other Chinese businesses had opened, such as medicine shops, supermarkets and financial and legal services serving the area,[6][7] including a Hong Kong government office and branch of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.

After many years exposed to the elements, the arch required restoration work to be undertaken; netting was wrapped around a part of the structure to prevent further tiles from dislodging.

[15] The Manchester Chinatown Community Group undertook a series of charity events, including a dry land dragon boat race in June 2012.

It is decorated in an oriental theme, in keeping with Chinatown, and a mural of a junk, a Chinese sea vessel, is contained within a brick wall overlooking the car park.