The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y. — The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y. — The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

21 photos of Leeds city centre shops and landmarks from the 1980s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 13th Nov 2021, 04:45 BST

Updated 13th Nov 2021, 07:41 BST

This collection of photo memories celebrate life in Leeds city centre during the 1980s.

The images focus on shops and city centre landmarks and are sure to evoke memories from a generation of bargain hunters as well as those who worked and enjoyed down time in the heart of Leeds. The majority 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: 24 Leeds restaurants you may remember from the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds city centre in the 1980s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds city centre in the 1980s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The east side of Lands Lane in April 1989 showing shops, from left, Peter Jones China, with Reed employment agency above, then In time jewellers,Dolcis footwear and Miss Selfridge ladieswear.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

The east side of Lands Lane in April 1989 showing shops, from left, Peter Jones China, with Reed employment agency above, then In time jewellers,Dolcis footwear and Miss Selfridge ladieswear. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Looking south along Briggate from the junction with Duncan Street and Boar Lane in September 1981. On the left is Rumbelows TV & Electrical Goods; on the right, Boar Lane Discount Warehouse, and further along, John Dyson, jewellers, from which a clock is seen protruding out.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Looking south along Briggate from the junction with Duncan Street and Boar Lane in September 1981. On the left is Rumbelows TV & Electrical Goods; on the right, Boar Lane Discount Warehouse, and further along, John Dyson, jewellers, from which a clock is seen protruding out. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Neville Street showing the railway bridge on the left, with City House towering behind in November 1980. In the centre are Neville Motors, used car dealers and the Carpet and Dry Cleaning Centre. Advertising hoardings on the right including one for Sovereign cigarettes.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Neville Street showing the railway bridge on the left, with City House towering behind in November 1980. In the centre are Neville Motors, used car dealers and the Carpet and Dry Cleaning Centre. Advertising hoardings on the right including one for Sovereign cigarettes. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Neville Street looking north towards the railway bridge and station in November 1980. The Ladbroke Dragonara Hotel, now the Hilton Hotel, can be seen in the centre. The tall building on the right is City House.

. Leeds city centre in 1980s

Neville Street looking north towards the railway bridge and station in November 1980. The Ladbroke Dragonara Hotel, now the Hilton Hotel, can be seen in the centre. The tall building on the right is City House. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Vicar Lane showing the junction with Sidney Street on the left in January 1980. Shops include National Westminster Bank, March the Tailor, Photomarket and Bargin Records.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Vicar Lane showing the junction with Sidney Street on the left in January 1980. Shops include National Westminster Bank, March the Tailor, Photomarket and Bargin Records. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

The Merrion Centre from Merrion Way in February 1985. On the left is the Merrion Centre Superstore, an indoor retail market. To the right of this is Nevilles D-I-Y. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The east side of New Briggate, with the entrance to the Grand Arcade in the centre, pictured in July 1985.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

The east side of New Briggate, with the entrance to the Grand Arcade in the centre, pictured in July 1985. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Shops on south side of Eastgate in March 1984. From left, is Headlines Hair Design, Tandys Hi-Fi and audio superstore, and just visible on the right, No 28 Peter Maturi Cutlery specialists.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Shops on south side of Eastgate in March 1984. From left, is Headlines Hair Design, Tandys Hi-Fi and audio superstore, and just visible on the right, No 28 Peter Maturi Cutlery specialists. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Kirkgate Market seen from Vicar Lane in May 1984. From left can be seen Cut Price Records, no.13 Market Buildings, then Economic Woollen Company, fabrics no.14, Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller, no.15 and Boots the chemist at no.16.

. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Kirkgate Market seen from Vicar Lane in May 1984. From left can be seen Cut Price Records, no.13 Market Buildings, then Economic Woollen Company, fabrics no.14, Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller, no.15 and Boots the chemist at no.16. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Shops on south side of Eastgate in March 1984. From left, is Headlines Hair Design, Tandys Hi-Fi and audio superstore, and just visible on the right, No 28 Peter Maturi Cutlery specialists.

7. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Shops on south side of Eastgate in March 1984. From left, is Headlines Hair Design, Tandys Hi-Fi and audio superstore, and just visible on the right, No 28 Peter Maturi Cutlery specialists. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Kirkgate Market seen from Vicar Lane in May 1984. From left can be seen Cut Price Records, no.13 Market Buildings, then Economic Woollen Company, fabrics no.14, Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller, no.15 and Boots the chemist at no.16.

8. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Kirkgate Market seen from Vicar Lane in May 1984. From left can be seen Cut Price Records, no.13 Market Buildings, then Economic Woollen Company, fabrics no.14, Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller, no.15 and Boots the chemist at no.16. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Vicar Lane, showing the Market Buildings on the left, in May 1984. In the foreground is Cut Price Records, then Economic Woollen company, fabrics and Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller. In the background on the right is the Trustee Savings Bank on Kirkgate.

9. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Vicar Lane, showing the Market Buildings on the left, in May 1984. In the foreground is Cut Price Records, then Economic Woollen company, fabrics and Joseph Hemsworth, jeweller. In the background on the right is the Trustee Savings Bank on Kirkgate. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Call Lane seen from the junction with The Calls in September 1980.

10. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Call Lane seen from the junction with The Calls in September 1980. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

September 1980 and pictured on The Headrow, are the premises of Bell Watson, estate agents, charted surveyors and Catholic Building Society.

11. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

September 1980 and pictured on The Headrow, are the premises of Bell Watson, estate agents, charted surveyors and Catholic Building Society. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Bond Street, looking towards Park Row, in February 1980. Boots Store is on the left, this was part of the Bond Street Centre which opened in 1977.

12. Leeds city centre in the 1980s

Bond Street, looking towards Park Row, in February 1980. Boots Store is on the left, this was part of the Bond Street Centre which opened in 1977. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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