The entrance to the Merrion Centre from Merrion Street. An escalator runs up the middle of the entrance way which was roofless at the time but has since been enclosed, and the escalator removed. Stylo shoes is on the left, advertising 'all stock at pre budget prices'. Further up is Royce Fashion Boutique with Locarno Mecca Dancing on the upper floor.placeholder image
The entrance to the Merrion Centre from Merrion Street. An escalator runs up the middle of the entrance way which was roofless at the time but has since been enclosed, and the escalator removed. Stylo shoes is on the left, advertising 'all stock at pre budget prices'. Further up is Royce Fashion Boutique with Locarno Mecca Dancing on the upper floor. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

33 intriguing photos take you back to Leeds city centre circa 1967

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd Sep 2026, 04:30 BST

Leeds city centre circa 1967: Merrion Centre, Albion Street, Empire Arcade, Park Square, Bond Street, Lands Lane, Briggate and The Headrow in focus

Circa 1967 is the timeframe for this wonderful collection of photos from around Leeds city centre. The main photo starts with an escalator that doesn’t now exist featuring an advert for a now closed nightspot -Locarno Mecca Dancing - remembered by a generation of revellers. Landmarks featured in the gallery include Merrion Centre, Albion Street, Empire Arcade, Park Square, Bond Street, Lands Lane, Briggate and The Headrow. 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: Lost city centre landmarks - The Leeds Skywalk LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The sculpture 'Androgyne' by Glenn Hellman outside the Merrion Centre. A sign for the Locarno Mecca Dancing can be seen on a building in the background. Shops visible include Stylo shoes and Crockatts 2 hour cleaning.

7. Leeds city centre

The sculpture 'Androgyne' by Glenn Hellman outside the Merrion Centre. A sign for the Locarno Mecca Dancing can be seen on a building in the background. Shops visible include Stylo shoes and Crockatts 2 hour cleaning. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view from the Merrion Centre looking towards the Odeon. Shops visible include Radio Rentals, Etam, Northern Wine Stores and a newsagents. 2 boys are sat on seats by the newsagents.

8. Leeds city centre

A view from the Merrion Centre looking towards the Odeon. Shops visible include Radio Rentals, Etam, Northern Wine Stores and a newsagents. 2 boys are sat on seats by the newsagents. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view from The Headrow with Queen's Arcade on the left. Shops visible include British Relay, Harry Fenton and a restaurant

9. Leeds city centre

A view from The Headrow with Queen's Arcade on the left. Shops visible include British Relay, Harry Fenton and a restaurant | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking down Briggate. Boots the chemist, and Dolcis Shoes are among the shops visible on the right hand side. County Arcade is on the left hand side. Several clocks are also visible on the sides of the buildings

10. Leeds city centre

A view looking down Briggate. Boots the chemist, and Dolcis Shoes are among the shops visible on the right hand side. County Arcade is on the left hand side. Several clocks are also visible on the sides of the buildings | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking along Bond Street from the junction with Albion Street. On the left is Austin Reed, mens' outfitters, at nos. 1-2 Bond Street, then no. 3 is occupied by Madame Arthur, court dressmaker, and Berry's jewellers. Further along are Five Foot Two Fashions and Yates' Wine Lodge.

11. Leeds city centre

Looking along Bond Street from the junction with Albion Street. On the left is Austin Reed, mens' outfitters, at nos. 1-2 Bond Street, then no. 3 is occupied by Madame Arthur, court dressmaker, and Berry's jewellers. Further along are Five Foot Two Fashions and Yates' Wine Lodge. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Lands Lane showing the King Charles pub and Schofields store.

12. Leeds city centre

Lands Lane showing the King Charles pub and Schofields store. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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