Built on the site of the former Morley sewage works in March 1997, the shopping centre was the first of its kind in Leeds. Residents in the south of the city watched as the £64million pound development sprung to life, a 76-acre site equivalent to the size of 246 Olympic swimming pools. There have been a raft of changes over the last 25 years, but here is what the centre looked like in its opening week.
All images courtesy of White Rose.
7. White Rose Centre
Shoppers in the mall when it opened to the public for the first time in March 1997. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
8. White Rose Centre
Were you among the crowds on the opening day in March 1997? | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
9. White Rose Centre
A lady from YEP promotions was at opening with white roses in March 1997. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
10. White Rose Centre
Pupils from Lady Elizabeth Hastings C of E School at Ledston present their prize winning mural to John Hartland, store director of Sainsbury's Savacentre in March 1997. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox
11. White Rose Centre
A packed car park in April 1997. It opened with 5,000 free parking spaces on site – which, if lined up, would cover the distance from White Rose to Leeds Bradford Airport. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding
12. White Rose Centre
Queen lookalike Elizabeth Richard turned the heads of shoppers in April 1997. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme