Work was well underway on what would eventually become Eastgate. It was intended that the new Headrow would run from the Town Hall as far as Quarry Hill and the junction with York Road and Mabgate at Mabgate circus. This meant that the area of old housing and narrow streets between the end of the Lowerhead Row and the junction with Millgarth Street would have to be demolished, and a new street, Eastgate, created. This was 1928 and these wonderful photos showcase a 12 months in the life of Leeds city centre. Landmarks as well as shops, pus and familiar streets are all featured in this collection. The images are published courtesy of 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: The story of a quirky Leeds pub LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds city centre
View of Virginia Street looking towards Prussia Street. At the left edge there is a glimpse of Lady Lane, and the premises of Harry Thorne & Co. Ltd. cocoa manufacturer which stand at the junction of Lady Lane with Edward Street. Pictured in October 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds city centre
To the left is Lady Lane, moving right, number 94 Vicar Lane Popular Cafe, then number 92 Schaffner and Co, antique dealers. Number 90 is the Black Swan Hotel, junction with Nelson Street. A Bass brewery public house, landlord George Cartwright. Pictured in October 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre
Shops on Upperhead Ro in October 1928. Right to left entrance to Osborn Court with Joseph Beacock Chemist at no 20, J R Teale and Son, Cabinet Makers and upholsterers next door, Central Electric Company at no 19 on junction with Woodhouse Lane. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds city centre
A view of the junction of Woodhouse Lane in October 1928. Businesses right to left are Costigan Artistic Creations, Albert Gafner, Hairdresser, G Jackson, Saddle and Harness Manufacturers and A Midgley Butchers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds city centre
Wharton's Hotel, a Tetley's public house, on Park Lane pictured in October 1928. The junction with Alexander Street on the right. On the left at number 8 William Hyman Westmoreland, tailor, other businesses shared this address. At number 6 next to Whartons, premises of William Harold Spink, typewriter dealer also selling wireless equipment. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds city centre
A view of Virginia Street looking towards the junction with Harewood Street and beyond to Vicar Lane. The buildings in Virginia Street fronted on to Lady Lane. The main focus is the United Methodist Church Sunday School, at number 26a Lady Lane, right. The factory at the beginning of the street, to the left of the Sunday School, had been used to manufacture boots and shoes. Pictured in October 1928. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net