18 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1974

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 10th Nov 2025, 04:45 BST

Thousands of car commuters passed by it or under it every day in the mid-1970s.

And here is a bird’s eye view of the landmark - the £3.5 million Westgate-Kirkstall Road flyover complex. To get this photo YEP snapper Mel Hulme went to the top of Westgate Police headquarters. The photo from 1974 is one of 18 showcasing the year in the life of Leeds and its residents. City centre landmarks are featured as well as memories from around the suburbs with Hunslet, Seacroft, Bramley and Headingley all in focus. READ MORE: 28 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1971 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

A bird's eye view of the £3.5 million Westgate-Kirkstall Road flyover in August 1974.

1. Leeds city centre

A bird's eye view of the £3.5 million Westgate-Kirkstall Road flyover in August 1974. | YPN Photo: YPN

An aerial view looking down on the roof tops of the Merrion Centre with Merrion Street on the right. Rising above the Merrion Centre on the left is the office block Wade House, while the tall building towards the top right is Fairfax House on Wade Lane.

2. Leeds city centre

An aerial view looking down on the roof tops of the Merrion Centre with Merrion Street on the right. Rising above the Merrion Centre on the left is the office block Wade House, while the tall building towards the top right is Fairfax House on Wade Lane. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

View looking west from Westgate showing the construction of Stage 3 of the Inner Ring Road under a light covering of snow. To the right, Telephone House in Westgate is visible and at the far left is Dunlop Rubber Co. Ltd., motor tyre manufacturers also in Westgate.

3. Leeds city centre

View looking west from Westgate showing the construction of Stage 3 of the Inner Ring Road under a light covering of snow. To the right, Telephone House in Westgate is visible and at the far left is Dunlop Rubber Co. Ltd., motor tyre manufacturers also in Westgate. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Looking east along York Place from the junction with Queen Street in January 1974. Businesses in view include Myers Bros, Hat and Cap Merchants, Harry Sugar Textiles, Leeds Exchange Drapery Warehouse, Lewis Stuart Textiles and Hutchison Tailors. In the distance is the junction with King Street.

4. Leeds city centre

Looking east along York Place from the junction with Queen Street in January 1974. Businesses in view include Myers Bros, Hat and Cap Merchants, Harry Sugar Textiles, Leeds Exchange Drapery Warehouse, Lewis Stuart Textiles and Hutchison Tailors. In the distance is the junction with King Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The end of the line for the railway track that runs off into the derelict railway sidings at Leeds Central Station in April 1974.

5. Leeds city centre

The end of the line for the railway track that runs off into the derelict railway sidings at Leeds Central Station in April 1974. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

All that remains of the office effects from the fire gutted warehouse on Marsh Lane in July 1974. Pictured are employees of National Carriers Ltd., who had an office in the building.

6. Marsh Lane

All that remains of the office effects from the fire gutted warehouse on Marsh Lane in July 1974. Pictured are employees of National Carriers Ltd., who had an office in the building. | YPN Photo: YPN

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