14 Leeds landmarks we’ve loved, lost and why

They are the landmarks your Leeds has loved and lost and or been left dreaming about.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 23rd Feb 2023, 11:30 GMT

Updated 7th Mar 2024, 13:12 GMT

The gallery starts with a plan for an underground system for Leeds which was never built owing to the cost. Imagine if the project had gone ahead? It would have transformed travel around the city. These photo memories focus on the landmarks – from retail to leisure – which generations of city folk will remember with fond memories from back in the day. Which do you remember the most? READ MORE: 12 hidden historical gems you never knew were in Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these memories of landmarks we have loved, lost and left dreaming about.

1. Leeds landmarks

Enjoy these memories of landmarks we have loved, lost and left dreaming about. Photo: YPN

Did you know Briggate boasted a subway back in the day? This photo was taken between 1970 and 1973.

2. Leeds landmarks

Did you know Briggate boasted a subway back in the day? This photo was taken between 1970 and 1973. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Remember this escalator, nicknamed the Smartie Tube, at Leeds Shopping Plaza on Albion Street in the city centre? Pictured in September 2002.

3. Leeds landmarks

Remember this escalator, nicknamed the Smartie Tube, at Leeds Shopping Plaza on Albion Street in the city centre? Pictured in September 2002. Photo: Tony Johnson

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

4. Leeds landmarks

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

Headingley said goodbye to a landmark which had stood proud in the heart of the community before mother nature had her say. The Shire Oak had stood tall and proud for 1,000 years before eventually succumb to its age, finally collapsing in 1941.

5. Leeds landmarks

Headingley said goodbye to a landmark which had stood proud in the heart of the community before mother nature had her say. The Shire Oak had stood tall and proud for 1,000 years before eventually succumb to its age, finally collapsing in 1941. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Have you ever wondered about the strange, castle-like structure that sits on Headingley's Cardigan Road? It was a bear pit that formed part of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, or the Headingley Zoo as it was also known.

6. Leeds landmarks

Have you ever wondered about the strange, castle-like structure that sits on Headingley's Cardigan Road? It was a bear pit that formed part of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, or the Headingley Zoo as it was also known. Photo: YPN