Memories of the Leeds landmark which powered a city

Kirkstall Power Station was opened in 1930 by the River Aire and boasted its own wharf for delivery of coal via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The station was later partly converted to oil firing during 1964, which rendered the coal sidings and associated shunters redundant. It was closed in 1976 and was subsequently demolished with the cooling towers flattened in 1979. The site had been completely cleared by 1986. These photos are sure to evoke memories for generations of people who grew up in its shadow as well as the thousands of workers who helped power homes across the city down the decades. They are published courtesy of Leeds Museums Service and 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: Kirkstall Road in 28 photos LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook