The development of The Headrow as a road-widening scheme in the 1930s meant that the north side was constructed in the uniform style while the south side boasted a mixture of buildings from the 1800s to the present. Developments during the decade included the construction of Permanent House, the headquarters of the Leeds Permanent Building Society, Lewis's department store and the Odeon Cinema, which opened as the Paramount Theatre. These wonderful photos, published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, chart 10 years in the life of the thoroughfare. READ MORE: The story of a quirky Leeds pub LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. The Headrow in the 1930s
A view looking up Headrow with proposed design for Art Gallery frontage added by architect to photograph. Pictured in February 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. The Headrow in the 1930s
Block of buildings ran from Albion Street to Cookridge Street. Built to design of Sir Reginald Blomfield and G.W Atkinson by the Leeds Corporation cost £120,000. Nine shops at ground level, four floors of offices above, large number leased to Inland Revenue. Leeds Town Hall can be seen to left. Hoardings round building carry posters. Some for products 'Oxo', Bovril, Andrews Liver salts, most for local events. A man is looking into site on right. Traffic lights at road junction. Pictured in July 1931. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. The Headrow in the 1930s
The completion of the re-development and widening of The Headrow looking east. The white Portland stone building on the left is Permanent House, the headquarters of Leeds Permanent Building Society. It was opened on May 15, 1930 by Sir Reginald Blomfield and was the first building to be completed in the new scheme for The Headrow. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. The Headrow in the 1930s
The new Leeds Optical Centre at 55 The Headrow which is in Thorntons buildings on the corner opposite the Horse & Trumpet public house and separated by an alleyway to the City Palace of Varieties. Going to the right we see Owen & Robinson pawnbrokers, Skeltons hosier. The Reeds Empire poster on the pub wall says closed for the summer vacation. Pictured in July 1935. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. The Headrow in the 1930s
Lloyds Bank on junction of Vicar Lane with The Headrow, taken during road widening in July 1931. Phillip's Jewellers can be seen on the left. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. The Headrow in the 1930s
Lewis's department store during construction in July 1932. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net