A view of Wade Lane showing the Merrion Centre multi-storey car park in June 1966. To the right is the entrance to the Merrion Centre superstore. Opened in 1964, the Merrion Centre was the first shopping/leisure centre in Leeds, an early example of the mixed-use developments now prevalent in the 21st century.A view of Wade Lane showing the Merrion Centre multi-storey car park in June 1966. To the right is the entrance to the Merrion Centre superstore. Opened in 1964, the Merrion Centre was the first shopping/leisure centre in Leeds, an early example of the mixed-use developments now prevalent in the 21st century.
A view of Wade Lane showing the Merrion Centre multi-storey car park in June 1966. To the right is the entrance to the Merrion Centre superstore. Opened in 1964, the Merrion Centre was the first shopping/leisure centre in Leeds, an early example of the mixed-use developments now prevalent in the 21st century.

18 of the finest photos take you back to Leeds city centre in 1966

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 16th Sep 2023, 04:45 BST
Updated 6th Feb 2025, 14:35 BST
It was the year football came home as Leeds and beyond celebrated England’s World Cup win.

The city centre hosted a welcome home reception for the Leeds United players who were part of England's triumphant World Cup winning squad. 1966 was a year that your city had plenty to smile about. Live TV satellite images direct from Australia were beamed into people’s home for the first time while your city centre continued to look to the future while celebrating its past. READ MORE: The General Wade - Memories of a strangely shaped Leeds pub LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The Corn Exchange designed by Cuthbert Brodrick pictured in September 1966. The foundation stone was laid in May 1861 and it opened on July 28, 1863.

13. Leeds in 1966

The Corn Exchange designed by Cuthbert Brodrick pictured in September 1966. The foundation stone was laid in May 1861 and it opened on July 28, 1863. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Looking up The Headrow from the junction with Briggate in November 1966.

14. Leeds city centre in 1966

Looking up The Headrow from the junction with Briggate in November 1966. Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
A view of Westgate roundabout and junction of new inner ring road on right from police headquarters in November 1966.

15. Leeds city centre in 1966

A view of Westgate roundabout and junction of new inner ring road on right from police headquarters in November 1966. Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
The Leeds Stock Exchange which stood with its half desecrated Georgian front facing down Albion Place. Pictured in October 1966.

16. Leeds city centre in 1966

The Leeds Stock Exchange which stood with its half desecrated Georgian front facing down Albion Place. Pictured in October 1966. Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Down comes another Leeds building in - this time at the corner of St. Paul's Street and East Parade. In the background is Leeds Town Hall. Pictured in March 1966.

17. Leeds city centre in 1966

Down comes another Leeds building in - this time at the corner of St. Paul's Street and East Parade. In the background is Leeds Town Hall. Pictured in March 1966. Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Share your memories of Leeds in 1957 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

18. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories of Leeds in 1957 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:LeedsEnglandLeeds UnitedAustralia
Leeds news you can trust since 1890
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice