It is the Leeds gem which has had a tough life with scars to prove it. Fire all-but destroyed Kirkgate Market on the night of December 13, 1975. The cause remains uncertain to this day - there were suggestions either of an electrical fault or an overturned paraffin lamp. Either way, the flames spread quickly through Europe’s largest covered market and some 150 stallholders fled for their lives. These photos tell the story of how the market bounced back over the 12 months after the blaze. READ MORE: The night Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire | Walk around Kirkgate Market during the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Kirkgate Market
By January 1976 plans had been revealed for a replacement hall in the north-east corner of the complex.
8. Kirkgate Market
Leeds Public Works department employee Harry Blackburn updates a noval sign on Harper Street in March 1976. The sign - a pictorial progress report - gives the cheering news that the rebuilding of the fire ravaged market hall was on schedule.
9. Kirkgate Market
It was a large open hall, built of steel sheets with a lattice roof structure.
10. Kirkgate Market
Billy Hamshaw who was working on the new market hall completes the finishing date of the 'Market Progress Report Board' in July 1976.
11. Kirkgate Market
By August 1976 the new market hall was all but ready for the official opening.
