Did you know Dortmund Square was originally known as the Plaza? The paved area at the bottom of Woodhouse Lane between Vallances and Lewis’s in 1980 was given the new title during the year with street signs going up to reflect the change. And an 8ft high bronze statue of a brewery worker, a gift from the city of Dortmund where brewing was a major industry, was its main feature. The statue was placed in the Square to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the civic twinning. The Square has been used as a place for protest, promotion and party down the decades. These rarely-seen photos, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, tell the story of the much-loved landmark. READ MORE: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Dortmund Square memories
Dortmund Square showing the Dortmund Drayman, unveiled at the Square's inauguration in September 1980. In the background, St. John's Centre is yet to be built; this was to be opened in 1985. The buildings on the left at the bottom of Woodhouse Lane were to be demolished to make way for it. The tall building towards the right is Fairfax House at the corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane dating from 1972. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Dortmund Square memories
An evening reception is being held in the restaurant of Lewis's in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the twinning of Leeds with Dortmund in Septemebr 1980. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eric Atkinson M.B.E is on the left enjoying a stein of German beer. In the centre is the Lord Mayor, or Oberburgermeister, of Dortmund, Gunter Samtlebe. To the right is the Managing Director of Lewis's, Steven Arundel. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Dortmund Square memories
A balancing act in November 1990. Leeds City Couincil's Christmas street entertainment included a visit from the Wonder Boys - Dave Pope, left, and Mark Fielding - from Bradford. | Bill Hirst Photo: Bill Hirst
10. Dortmund Square memories
Dortmund Square, looking from The Headrow up to the entrance to St. John's Centre circa 1990. The Dortmund Drayman can be seen in the centre, with kiosks including the York Smokers Shop towards the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Dortmund Square memories
October 1986 and an 18-stone member of the Roly Poly dance group, Mo Mighty Atom, is helped on a new Micro Rider bus in Dortmund Square by drivers Harry Harrison and Selina Jenkinson and other members of the group. A network of the minibuses, run by Yorkshire Rider, was in use in West Yorkshire. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Dortmund Square memories
The Bad Boys proved they were the good guys for teenage fans when the pop idols appeared in the Square for a one-off show in November 1993. | YPN Photo: YPN