The Regal Cinema on Crossgates Road took just 27 weeks to build and provided seating for 1,500 movie fans and a car park for 400 vehicles. It opened in November 1936 with the first film to be shown was Strike Me Pink starring Eddie Cantor and Ethel Merman. It closed on January 11, 1964 before being demolished and a supermarket built on the site. The photo is one of 16 showcasing life in Crossgates during the 1930s and features streets and shops including Wilson butchers. They 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: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Crossgates in the 1930s
A parade of shops, after alterations, on Station Road in May 1938. Pictured , from left, are Abraham Altham, tea dealer and grocer. To the right is Moorfield Laundry Receiving Office. Then Leeds Permanent Building Society. Next Edmund Atkinson butcher and Craven Dairies Ltd, bakers. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Crossgates in the 1930s
Thrift Stores grocers and butchers departments pictured in April 1937. Delivery bicycles are propped against the shop windows which have displays of goods and advertising. On the left is Hedley Horsfall ironmonger's shop Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Crossgates in the 1930s
A view from Station Road in February 1938, looking in the direction of Whitkirk across the railway bridge before it was widened On the left is the Station Hotel, a Tetley public house, and beyond the Ritz Cinema can be just be seen in the distance. Vehicles in view, including a bus crossing the bridge. On the right is the junction with Coldwell Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Crossgates in the 1930s
Newly built houses located between Austhorpe Grove and Austhorpe Avenue. Austhorpe Post Office can be seen to the right of the photograph. A sign in front of the shops reads 'Villas for sale, Sedgwick builders'. School Lane is in the foreground. Pictured in January 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Crossgates in the 1930s
Townend butchers on Austhorpe Road in April 1937. This was the business of Jack Townend. To the left is Gallons grocers. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Crossgates in the 1930s
Morgan and Waddington, radio dealers and repairs on Austhorpe Road, pictured in March 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net