It is the city centre street which has played its part in helping Leeds become a shopping mecca. Albion Street became part of a large pedestrian precinct in August 1970, incorporating Bond Street, Commercial Street, King Charles Croft, King Charles Street and Lands lane. All vehicles, apart from essential users such as fire appliances, ambulances and delivery vehicles, were be barred from the area between 10am and 6pm on all days except Sundays. These photos rewind to life on Albion Street during the 1980s and 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: Go inside the Co-op's flagship Leeds Albion Street store 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
1. Albion Street in the 1980s
Looking down Albion Street to Boar Lane in February 1980. On the right is the Alliance Building Society. Next, numbers 36-38 are occupied by Chelsea Girl, a fashion shop. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Albion Street in the 1980s
This photo is looking east from Albion Street towards the entrance to Change Alley in April 1983. Hunting Lambert travel agency can be seen on the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Albion Street in the 1980s
Albion Place with the YMCA building on the left. Eastwood tobacconists and Bentley Films Ltd. occupy shops on the ground floor. To the right is the junction with Albion Street and the tower block West Riding House. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Albion Street in the 1980s
The junction of Albion Street and Albion Place, showing the YMCA building in the centre in June 1984. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Albion Street in the 1980s
Looking up Albion Street towards the Headrow in February 1980. In the left centre of the scene is the intersection of Commercial Street, right, and Bond Street, left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Albion Street in the 1980s
This view of Albion Street is looking up to the Headrow. On the right can be seen a sign for the YMCA, which was above the shops, with the entrance on Albion Place. Number 50 is Hunting Lambert Travel. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net