21 photos take you back to Leeds in 1988

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 17th Jul 2023, 04:45 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

These wonderful photos showcase a year in the life of Leeds at the back end of the 1980s.

They turn back the clock to 1988, a 12 months which featured new beginnings, fond farewells and the rise of craft shops thanks to the opening of Granary Wharf under the Dark Arches by the canal and railway station. 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: 25 Leeds pubs you may remember from the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The Grand Arcade on New Briggate. The shopping precinct opened in 1897 taking its name from the Grand Theatre just out of view to the right. The layout of the arcade was designed as an 'H' shape with two parallel arcades of shops going through to Vicar Lane with a connecting passage in the centre. To the left is Mister Craig's nightclub with Adrian Fuller 'World Champion Hair Artist', to the right.

1. Leeds in 1988

The Grand Arcade on New Briggate. The shopping precinct opened in 1897 taking its name from the Grand Theatre just out of view to the right. The layout of the arcade was designed as an 'H' shape with two parallel arcades of shops going through to Vicar Lane with a connecting passage in the centre. To the left is Mister Craig's nightclub with Adrian Fuller 'World Champion Hair Artist', to the right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A view of Albion Street showing St. John's Shopping Centre which opened in 1985. The Leamington Spa Building Society and National Provincial Building Society are among businesses occupying premises around the outside. On the left, past the junction with Merrion Street, is the Merrion Centre on Woodhouse Lane.

2. Leeds in 1988

A view of Albion Street showing St. John's Shopping Centre which opened in 1985. The Leamington Spa Building Society and National Provincial Building Society are among businesses occupying premises around the outside. On the left, past the junction with Merrion Street, is the Merrion Centre on Woodhouse Lane. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Otley Road looking north-west showing the Arndale Centre running along the right hand side of the road. Shops featured in the photo include Safeway supermarket in the centre and Radio Rentals and Alpaca Yarns towards the right.

3. Leeds in 1988

Otley Road looking north-west showing the Arndale Centre running along the right hand side of the road. Shops featured in the photo include Safeway supermarket in the centre and Radio Rentals and Alpaca Yarns towards the right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Some of the shops at Granary Wharf under the Dark Arches by the Canal and railway station. This shopping centre opened in 1988 and specialised in small craft shops such as Canal Quilters on the left here.

4. Leeds in 1988

Some of the shops at Granary Wharf under the Dark Arches by the Canal and railway station. This shopping centre opened in 1988 and specialised in small craft shops such as Canal Quilters on the left here. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A view looking west along Bank Street towards Westgate in Wetherby. On the left is no. 11 Bank Street, while the building on the right is numbered 5 Church Street, the junction with which is just off the picture. The next building along is no. 18 Bank Street, occupied by Peter Watson, estate agent.

5. Leeds in 1988

A view looking west along Bank Street towards Westgate in Wetherby. On the left is no. 11 Bank Street, while the building on the right is numbered 5 Church Street, the junction with which is just off the picture. The next building along is no. 18 Bank Street, occupied by Peter Watson, estate agent. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A group photograph taken at the Henry Barran Centre on the occasion of its Golden Anniversary in July 1988. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Arthur Vollans is pictured presenting his gift of an ornamental wall-clock to the Henry Barran Centre Management Committee. Local people were invited to enjoy a buffet meal at 1938 prices, and take part in fun activities and competitions. Pictured, from left, are Linda Bosomworth, Councillor Lorna Cohen, Lily Shackleton, Lord Mayor Councillor Arthur Vollans, Councillor Terry Briggs, the Lady Mayoress, Warden, John Holmes, Eddie Manning and Michelle Houghton, about to present the Lady Mayoress with a bouquet.

6. Leeds in 1988

A group photograph taken at the Henry Barran Centre on the occasion of its Golden Anniversary in July 1988. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Arthur Vollans is pictured presenting his gift of an ornamental wall-clock to the Henry Barran Centre Management Committee. Local people were invited to enjoy a buffet meal at 1938 prices, and take part in fun activities and competitions. Pictured, from left, are Linda Bosomworth, Councillor Lorna Cohen, Lily Shackleton, Lord Mayor Councillor Arthur Vollans, Councillor Terry Briggs, the Lady Mayoress, Warden, John Holmes, Eddie Manning and Michelle Houghton, about to present the Lady Mayoress with a bouquet. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds The Secret Library Leeds