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

In 1964, some 300,000 people were said to hold investments with Leeds Stock Exchange. In 1973, it became part of the London Stock Exchange. It finally closed in 1990 after the London Stock Exchange carried out a cost review.

13. Leeds landmarks

In 1964, some 300,000 people were said to hold investments with Leeds Stock Exchange. In 1973, it became part of the London Stock Exchange. It finally closed in 1990 after the London Stock Exchange carried out a cost review. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Who can forget The Duchess of York on Vicar Lane? Famed for live music and a settee which Nirvana's Kurt Cobain allegedly slept on.

14. Leeds city centre

Who can forget The Duchess of York on Vicar Lane? Famed for live music and a settee which Nirvana's Kurt Cobain allegedly slept on. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Tetley’s Brewery Wharf proved a popular attraction during its six year stint in the city centre during the 1990s. A redevelopment of the surrounding area led to its closure in 2000.

15. Leeds city centre

Tetley’s Brewery Wharf proved a popular attraction during its six year stint in the city centre during the 1990s. A redevelopment of the surrounding area led to its closure in 2000. Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

16. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Malik Walton Photo: Malik Walton

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Leeds
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice