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

Looking west down Bond Street to Westminster Bank. Shops visible include Boots, TSB and Brill of Leeds. Some scaffolding can be seen on the Westminster Bank building.

19. Leeds city centre

Looking west down Bond Street to Westminster Bank. Shops visible include Boots, TSB and Brill of Leeds. Some scaffolding can be seen on the Westminster Bank building. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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This photo was taken from the rear of Leeds Civic Hall showing a side view of Leeds Polytechnic (now Leeds Beckett University) on Portland Way.

20. Leeds city centre

This photo was taken from the rear of Leeds Civic Hall showing a side view of Leeds Polytechnic (now Leeds Beckett University) on Portland Way. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The Brotherton Wing at Leeds General Infirmary taken from Calverley Street. The Brotherton Wing was built and opened in 1940. A large sign says Hospital Quiet Please. Second sign reads the General Infirmary patients and visitors. People are sat on the balconies.

21. Leeds city centre

The Brotherton Wing at Leeds General Infirmary taken from Calverley Street. The Brotherton Wing was built and opened in 1940. A large sign says Hospital Quiet Please. Second sign reads the General Infirmary patients and visitors. People are sat on the balconies. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view of the original entrance to the Infirmary, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, from Great George Street.

22. Leeds city centre

A view of the original entrance to the Infirmary, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, from Great George Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Leeds International Pool on Westgate, seen from Westgate Roundabout, probably taken shortly after its completion. The swimming pool, designed by John Poulson, opened in September 1967.

23. Leeds city centre

Leeds International Pool on Westgate, seen from Westgate Roundabout, probably taken shortly after its completion. The swimming pool, designed by John Poulson, opened in September 1967. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Traffic congestion on The Headrow in front of Lewis's department store.

24. Leeds city centre

Traffic congestion on The Headrow in front of Lewis's department store. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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