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
13. Kirkstall Power Station
April 1979. View of Kirkstall Power Station showing the beginning of the demolition of one of two cooling towers. It was not until 1986 the site was completely cleared following the demolition of the chimneys. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Kirkstall Power Station
An undated aerial view of where Kirkstall Power Station once stood. The area has since been transformed into Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve and a golf course. Kirkstall Valley Primary School is seen at the bottom left. Photo: David L Thompson
15. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of Kirkstall Power Station with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: Leeds Museums Service