Changing Leeds - The rise and fall of the city's International Pool

The idea of building an Olympic-sized swimming in Leeds was first mooted in the 1930s.

But plans were abandoned owing to the outbreak of war. By the early 1960s the idea was back in the agenda yet council chiefs were divided with many wanting smaller pools to be built instead. The scheme eventually received the green light and was opened in September 1967. These rarely-seen photos help tell the controversial story of its 40 year on-off relationship with Leeds and its residents. CHANGING LEEDS: Leeds Inner Ring Road |Corn Exchange | City Square | Vicar Lane | Dark Arches LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join the Leeds Retro facebook group

19. August 1998

Members of the Leeds City Swimming Club celebrate after the International Pool became one of the six new swimming centre's for professional swimmers. Pictured, left to right, are Linda Hindmarsh, Ian Wilson and Charlotte Niblett. | jpimedia Photo: James Hardisty