Built on the site of the former Morley sewage works in March 1997, the shopping centre was the first of its kind in Leeds. Residents in the south of the city watched as the £64million pound development sprung to life, a 76-acre site equivalent to the size of 246 Olympic swimming pools. There have been a raft of changes over the last 25 years, but here is what the centre looked like in its opening week.
All images courtesy of White Rose.
1. White Rose Centre
The main entrance nears completion in January 1997. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox
2. White Rose Centre
Inside Sainsbury's SavaCentre in January 1997. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox
3. White Rose Centre
Twice as much steel was used in the construction of White Rose than Blackpool Tower. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. White Rose Centre
March 1997 and workmen unload one of the 28 huge weeping fig trees to be planted ahead of opening. | Bruce Greer Photo: Bruce Greer
6. White Rose Centre
Disney characters at the opening in March 1997. Pictured, from left, are Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike