C&A on Boar Lane opened in November 1970 and welcomed generations of bargain-hunters before its owners revealed closure plans just months after the dawn of a new millennium . This was 2000, a year which proved to be a news packed 12 months for the city centre. It featured a former Leeds Unites striker and actress wife opening a restaurant, members of the Australian Rugby League Team enjoying a night out, and the return of the Tetley’s Shire horses. These photos, plucked from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive, showcase the best of what the year had to offer in the heart of Leeds. READ MORE: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds city centre
Restaurateur Marco Pierre White, right, with his friend and former colleague Simon Gueller at the opening of his new restaurant on York Place. | YPN Photo: YPN
14. Leeds city centre
Lee Chapman and Leslie Ash pictured in June 2000 outside their restaurant Teatro on Concordia Street. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
15. Leeds city centre
The River Aire in full flow at The Calls. The area was on standby through the night on flood alert in November 2000. | Jim Moran Photo: Jim Moran
16. Leeds city centre
The St Patricks Day Parade in March 2000. | Claire Lim Photo: Claire Lim
17. Leeds city centre
Stickleback Plasticus entertain shoppers as part of Rhythms of the City 2000 produced by West Yorkshire Playhouse. | YPN Photo: YPN
18. Leeds city centre
Members of the Australian Rugby League Team enjoy a night out at The Walkabout during their tour for the Rugby World Cup. Pictured, from left, are Trent Barret and captain Brad Fittler. | Claire Lim Photo: Claire Lim