Why is it there? Who built it? Did it used to be something?
It may surprise you to know that the site was once a petrol station, and has only been around since the 1930s.
With the help of Leeds Libraries, we take a look at the history of the strange, tiny building on Eastgate roundabout.
1. Standing tall
The site, having been Grade II listed in 1996, now stands empty but is in remarkably good condition. Photo: Richard Beecham
2. Eastgate Roundabout
The building was opened in 1932, having been designed by famous architect Sir Reginald Blomfield – who was responsible for the Goldsmiths College building and the layout of Regent Street in London. The particulars of the listing by Historic England are that the building remains red brick, with “ashlar details, copper and slate roof”. Photo: Leeds Libraries - leodis.net
3. Pump it up
Appleyard’s petrol station opened on the site in 1932, and had numerous pumps around the building. It now seems absurd to have a petrol station in the middle of the roundabout, but the roads in the area were far less busy in those days, as cars were not as widely used. This photo was taken in 1967 from the arches at the nearby Quarry Hill Flats. Photo: Leeds Libraries - leodis.net
4. 'Popularly-priced'
This photograph was taken during the site’s construction. The signs show the structure was built by contractors Wright & Sons, based on Skinner Lane. The sign to the right promises an Appleyard of Leeds Ltd Filling Station “for the rapid supply by power driven pumps of popularly priced Appleyard petrol and Appleyard oil”. Photo: Leeds Libraries - leodis.net
5. Round Round
A map of Leeds from 1921 shows that the road we now know as Eastgate had not yet been built, and the site that would ultimately become the roundabout was home to a pub and small cinema. Eastgate itself is now seen as simply an extension of the Headrow, but the site was once home to dense housing and industry on Virginia Street, Nelson Street and Union Street, the latter of which is now home to the Victoria Gate Shopping Centre. This photograph was taken in 1983 - Circle House is on the left and the Marquis of Granby public house in the centre. Eastgate roundabout was still being used as a petrol station. Photo: Leeds Libraries - leodis.net
6. A fresh look
Having been disused for many years, the former petrol station became the site of Leeds’s Millennium Fountain in 2000. Photo: Leeds Libraries - Leodis.net