These photos from the YEP archive showcase how the Leeds Corn Exchange has provided retail therapy for a generations of shoppers as well as a venue to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat and a place to hang out. It has also been the focus of news stories, protest, photo calls and event launches. We hope these rarely-seen images evoke some happy memories. CHANGING LEEDS: 27 photos of City Square through the years | The Dark Arches in 19 photos | 20 photos of Vicar Lane through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. 1980s
February 1985 and the Corn Exchange was in line for a long overdue new lease of life. This headline shows how the Corn Exchange might have looked... an artist's impression of a £500,000 concert hall scheme, rejected in 1976. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. 1980s
We kick off in the summer of 1989 when work began on the Corn Exchange conversion scheme to accomodate 30 to 40 units including shops, restaurants, bars and a heritage museum. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. 1980s
Inside the Corn Exchange in November 1989 during the renovation which involved preserving the past with modern building technology. The multi million pound refurbishment was led by Speciality Shops. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. 1990s
The newly-reopened and refurbished Corn Exchange in June 1990 featured Cafe Society, a 1930s style cafe bar where the emphasis was on food, drink and live entertainment. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. 1990s
Cafe Society was based in in the heart of the piazza. Do you visit back in the day? Pictured in November 1990. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. 1990s
The revamp provided four different places to eat in December 1991. | YPN Photo: YPN