A view of the former "comfort station" called Home of the Sea in Hongkou district, Shanghai, Feb 23, 2016. [Photo/CFP]

The demolition of a former Japanese military brothel used during World War II in Shanghai has been put on hold, according to the local government on Tuesday.

An unnamed media official with Hongkou district government told Xinhua that a historical assessment on the unlisted building has been launched.

"Whatever the result, we will do our best to preserve history," he said.

The two-story 1920s building was once home to more than 10 households. It had been earmarked for demolition as part of an urban transformation project. The site will make way for a school expansion and a road.