Briggate boasted a ‘new look’ and was closed to through traffic after becoming pedestrianised. This was 1997 a year which plans were revealed for an ambitious arena at Elland Road work was nearing completion on Leeds General Infirmary's new £90 million wing. City centre landmarks are featured as well as memories from around the suburbs with Otley, Rothwell, Beeston and Farnley are all in focus. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds city centre
Paul Baptiste of the Personal Shopping section at Harvey Nichols in November 1997. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Chapeltown
Some of the colourfully dressed participants at the West Indian carnival at Potternewton Park in August 1997, talking to the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Linda Middleton. | Linda Middleton Photo: Linda Middleton
9. Leeds city centre
The new Pret a Manger opened on Bond Street in November 1997. Pictured is Yorkshire cricketer Darren Gough trying out sandwiches. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Thorp Arch
An aerial view of the 450 acre Thorp Arch Trading estate off Walton Road in April 1997. In 1942 a Royal Ordinance Factory opened on it. It took 18 months to build and cost £5.9 million. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds city centre
Leeds City Libraries' children's event held in Victoria Gardens outside the Central Library in July 1997. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Beeston
Inside Beeston Branch Library which is situated in the grounds of Hugh Gaitskill School on St. Anthony's Drive. The library was built in the early 1970's and underwent a major refurbishment in 1997. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net