Leeds Merrion Centre shops you (probably) visited during the 1990s

These photos are sure to evoke wonderful memories for a generation of bargain-hunters who visited the Merrion Centre in the 1990s.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 20th Aug 2023, 11:00 BST

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The gallery brings into focus all aspects of life at the Centre during the decade from shops and supermarkets to nightclubs to escalators. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Ritzy nightclub in the background. Wade House can be seen on the left.

1. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

Ritzy nightclub in the background. Wade House can be seen on the left. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

There is a glass case with an automaton with a clock on the top. Escalators lead up to the first floor and more shops. Many plants are visible in this view. There is a woman and a dog in the foreground.

2. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

There is a glass case with an automaton with a clock on the top. Escalators lead up to the first floor and more shops. Many plants are visible in this view. There is a woman and a dog in the foreground. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Book Depot shop to left, Instep Sports, sports shop to right. Many people are visible coming in and out of the precinct.

3. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

Book Depot shop to left, Instep Sports, sports shop to right. Many people are visible coming in and out of the precinct. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The entrance to Morrisons supermarket in September 1999.

4. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

The entrance to Morrisons supermarket in September 1999. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A view along the upper floor of the Centre with a couple in the foreground walking down the stairs. Wade House is partially visible on the right and Morrisons can be seen in the background. Metal beams stretch across the roof with lights and security cameras. Glass panels line the lanes with artificial plants on either side.

5. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

A view along the upper floor of the Centre with a couple in the foreground walking down the stairs. Wade House is partially visible on the right and Morrisons can be seen in the background. Metal beams stretch across the roof with lights and security cameras. Glass panels line the lanes with artificial plants on either side. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Morrisons is on the left with empty shop units on the right. The shops have arched, glass doorways and arched windows above. Lights hand off the wall and pedestrians are shown.

6. Merrion Centre in the 1990s

Morrisons is on the left with empty shop units on the right. The shops have arched, glass doorways and arched windows above. Lights hand off the wall and pedestrians are shown. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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