Kirkstall was building for the future in the 1970s thanks to the construction of Grandways supermarket while the cooling towers of Kirkstall Power Station came crashing down. These wonderful photos showcase the decade in 15 photos which also feature well travelled streets, shops and other local landmarks. 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: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Looking north-west along Commercial Road towards the junction with Bridge Road, Abbey Road and Kirkstall Lane in November 1979. Shops seen on the right include Temple Galleries, fine art dealers and picture framers, at no. 41 and Dennis Gibson, bookmakers, at no. 43. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Commercial Road showing the side of no. 41, Temple Galleries, fine art dealers and picture framers, with an advertisement for Grandways Supermarket in front. A car is parked alongside. Pictured in November 1979. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Kirkstall Lane showing the recently opened Grandways supermarket, with a tall advertising tower in front. Development is still going on, on the right as part of Kirkstall Local Centre; the building next to the supermarket is now Kirkstall branch library. A bus shelter can be seen on the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Kirkstall Lane showing the recently opened Grandways supermarket, with a tall advertising tower in front. Development is still going on, on the right as part of Kirkstall Local Centre; the building next to the supermarket is now Kirkstall branch library. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Kirkstall Lane near the junction with Commercial Road. In the foreground is an area of wasteland adjacent to the Kirkstall District Shopping Centre which is in the process of being developed. On the right, Thurston's Bakers and Abbey Printing Works can be seen on Commercial Road. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Kirkstall in the 1970s
Commercial Road looking towards the junction with Bridge Road, Abbey Road and Kirkstall Lane. Abbey Printing Works is on the left, followed by shops include Thurston's Bakers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net