1996 saw Schofields close its doors in the city centre while the Harvey Nichols store opened to enhance Leeds's growing reputation as the 'Knightsbridge of the North'. It was a 12 months which also featured the opening of new Village Hotel and Leisure Club at Headingley and the demolition of Kirkstall Fire Station. These photos, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, showcase a year in the life of your city. READ MORE: 28 Leeds city centre shops you visited in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Barwick-in-Elmet
Going up. 1996 was the year of the triennial Maypole Festival at Barwick-in-Elmet. And in accordance with the time honoured custom, the maypole was successfully raised by the use of ropes and ladders and an enthusiastic crowd of villagers and visitors. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
2. Leeds city centre
A new bicycle shed was installed at St James's Hospital to encourage staff to use pedal power. Pictured using the new £10,000 facility, which could hold up to 30 bikes, are Renal Sister Carolyn McMahan and Infection Control officer Andrew Beane. | Peter Thacker Photo: Peter Thacker
3. Yeadon
The airfield of Leeds Bradford Airport with three aeroplanes, including an Air Europa, to be seen. Taken sometime in the summer of 1996. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Meanwood
Did you enjoy a drink here back in the day? The Bay Horse public house on Parkside Road. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Yeadon
Devonshire Place, used as a car park. Shops on the left front onto the High Street. This is looking across the Town Hall Square, with Yeadon Town Hall to the right. The building in the centre is Yeadon library in what was formerly a branch of Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society - Co-op grocers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
Love is in the air... Leeds Libraries held a 'Love in the LIbrary' as part of their Valentine's Day programme. And with 1996 being a Leap Year, Alexandra Wheeldon decided to reverse the roles and give Greg Wall a bunch of flowers. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme