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

Park Square. John Barran's 'Moorish' warehouse in pictured in the background. John Barran was responsible for establishing Leeds as a centre for clothing manufacture and built the factory and showrooms in St Paul's Street in 1878.

25. Leeds city centre

Park Square. John Barran's 'Moorish' warehouse in pictured in the background. John Barran was responsible for establishing Leeds as a centre for clothing manufacture and built the factory and showrooms in St Paul's Street in 1878. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Cyril Lord carpet shop at the corner of The Headrow and Albion Street.

26. Leeds city centre

Cyril Lord carpet shop at the corner of The Headrow and Albion Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Schofields main building. This was completed in 1962.

27. Leeds city centre

Schofields main building. This was completed in 1962. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Inside Queen's Arcade looking up from Boots towards Lands Lane. Shops visible include Boots, Handbag Hospital and Stylo.

28. Leeds city centre

Inside Queen's Arcade looking up from Boots towards Lands Lane. Shops visible include Boots, Handbag Hospital and Stylo. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Side view of the Merrion Centre from the service road. Shops visible include Halfords, Coombes leather goods, Bramhams bacon specialists, Wimpy Bar and the Midland Bank. The Merrion Centre car park is visible above the shops.

29. Leeds city centre

Side view of the Merrion Centre from the service road. Shops visible include Halfords, Coombes leather goods, Bramhams bacon specialists, Wimpy Bar and the Midland Bank. The Merrion Centre car park is visible above the shops. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Park Square. A statue of Circe can be seen in the garden. Men working in the garden are also visible and there are parked cars in the street.

30. Leeds city centre

Park Square. A statue of Circe can be seen in the garden. Men working in the garden are also visible and there are parked cars in the street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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