10 photos show how much Leeds city centre has changed over the decades

Change. Not everyone likes it, or agrees with it, yet most of us has an opinion on it.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 8th Apr 2023, 11:30 BST

Updated 11th Apr 2024, 12:37 BST

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Your Leeds city centre has witnessed its fair share of change in the name of progress down the decades. These photo memories shine a spotlight on different aspects of LS1 you may remember and may wish for a return. READ MORE: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails

One moving staircase going up, another moving staircase coming down. The do you remember the escalators on Boar Lane up to the Bond Street Shopping Centre? Pictured here in November 1980.

1. Leeds city centre memories

One moving staircase going up, another moving staircase coming down. The do you remember the escalators on Boar Lane up to the Bond Street Shopping Centre? Pictured here in November 1980. Photo: YPN

The Cockpit was mourned by thousands of music fans and clubbers around Leeds and beyond when it closed in September 2014 after 20 years.

2. Leeds city centre memories

The Cockpit was mourned by thousands of music fans and clubbers around Leeds and beyond when it closed in September 2014 after 20 years. Photo: YPN

Thousands of people flocked to bag a bargain at a big closing down sale at Allders on The Headrow, which included filling a carrier with all the underwear you could stuff in for a fiver.

3. Leeds city centre memories

Thousands of people flocked to bag a bargain at a big closing down sale at Allders on The Headrow, which included filling a carrier with all the underwear you could stuff in for a fiver. Photo: YPN

Located at the lower end of Westgate Leeds International Pool was notable for its brutalist architecture. Demolished in 2009.

4. Leeds city centre memories

Located at the lower end of Westgate Leeds International Pool was notable for its brutalist architecture. Demolished in 2009. Photo: YPN

Remember dancing the night away at Majestyk nightclub on City Square? Fell victim to a devastating fire in 2014.

5. Leeds city centre memories

Remember dancing the night away at Majestyk nightclub on City Square? Fell victim to a devastating fire in 2014. Photo: YPN

The Tetley may now be a creative space but to many it will always be the iconic, dark satanic mill of Tetleys Brewery, where your dads pints were born.

6. Leeds city centre memories

The Tetley may now be a creative space but to many it will always be the iconic, dark satanic mill of Tetleys Brewery, where your dads pints were born. Photo: YPN