It is known as Leeds's 'secret cinema'. When the old Odeon picture house in the Merrion Centre opened in 1964 it was the first cinema to be built in the city for 30 years. But it only welcomed cinema goers for 13 years before closing.placeholder image
It is known as Leeds's 'secret cinema'. When the old Odeon picture house in the Merrion Centre opened in 1964 it was the first cinema to be built in the city for 30 years. But it only welcomed cinema goers for 13 years before closing. | Mark Bickerdike

15 Leeds landmarks we’ve loved, lost and why

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 11th Dec 2024, 11:09 GMT

They are the landmarks your Leeds has loved and lost or been left dreaming about.

These photo memories focus on the landmarks – from retail to leisure – which generations of city folk will remember with fond memories from back in the day. It also features plans for an underground system which was never built owing to the cost. Imagine if the project had gone ahead? It would have transformed travel around the city. READ MORE: 16 of the best colour photos celebrate life in Leeds during the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Have you ever wondered about the strange, castle-like structure that sits on Headingley's Cardigan Road? It was a bear pit that formed part of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, or the Headingley Zoo as it was also known.

7. Headingley

Have you ever wondered about the strange, castle-like structure that sits on Headingley's Cardigan Road? It was a bear pit that formed part of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, or the Headingley Zoo as it was also known. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Quarry Hill Flats was the UK's largest social housing complex. Housing 3,000 residents they were seen as a modern build at the time which included lifts, electric lighting, and a launderette. The flats were popular, encouraging a sense of community through the highly communal way of living. Yet despite being deemed ahead of their time the flats were demolished in 1978 due to their poor condition.

8. Leeds city centre

Quarry Hill Flats was the UK's largest social housing complex. Housing 3,000 residents they were seen as a modern build at the time which included lifts, electric lighting, and a launderette. The flats were popular, encouraging a sense of community through the highly communal way of living. Yet despite being deemed ahead of their time the flats were demolished in 1978 due to their poor condition. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Lewis's was the place to go for generations of aspirational shoppers and bargain-hunters all keen for their fix of retail therapy. It opened on the newly-widened Headrow in September 1932 and served the city for more than 60 years before becoming an Allders in the mid-1990s.

9. Leeds city centre

Lewis's was the place to go for generations of aspirational shoppers and bargain-hunters all keen for their fix of retail therapy. It opened on the newly-widened Headrow in September 1932 and served the city for more than 60 years before becoming an Allders in the mid-1990s. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Much-loved fashion giant C&A - known affectionately as 'Coats and Ats' to shoppers - stood tall as a go to destination for city centre bargain-hunters for decades.

10. Leeds city centre

Much-loved fashion giant C&A - known affectionately as 'Coats and Ats' to shoppers - stood tall as a go to destination for city centre bargain-hunters for decades. | Claire Lim Photo: Claire Lim

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The open air swimming pool at Roundhay Park opened in June 1907 and made a splash for generations before its demise in the 1980s. Temnants of the structure were visible until the early 2000s.

11. Roundhay

The open air swimming pool at Roundhay Park opened in June 1907 and made a splash for generations before its demise in the 1980s. Temnants of the structure were visible until the early 2000s. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Hunslet Grange - also known as Leek Street flats - were built in 1968 were arranged in blocks of six or seven storeys, with overhead walkways connecting the blocks. They proved popular but soon problems with damp and condensation began to develop and the heating systems proved inadequate. Demolished in 1983

12. Hunslet

Hunslet Grange - also known as Leek Street flats - were built in 1968 were arranged in blocks of six or seven storeys, with overhead walkways connecting the blocks. They proved popular but soon problems with damp and condensation began to develop and the heating systems proved inadequate. Demolished in 1983 | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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