The Merrion Centre opened in the city centre at a cost of £6 million and was described by your Yorkshire Evening Post at the time as the shape of things to come in every big town or city. And work was nearing completion on the Seacroft Civic Centre, the first large scale shopping and civic centre development serving a large area to the outskirts of the city centre. This 10 acre development included shops, offices, restaurants, pubs, banks and car parks, as well as a library, bowling alley and clinic. The year also featured a dramatic rescue, a visit by the Fab Four, and Leeds United in the recording studio. Enjoy these rarely-seen photos, published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, run by Leeds Library & Information Service, and West Yorkshire Archive Service, showcasing 12 months of change. READ MORE: 16 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1959
1. Leeds in 1964
City Square showing the demolition taking place of the Royal Exchange Buildings at number 1A Park Row in May 1964. A tower block replaced the buildings in 1965. In the foreground, right, is one of the figure lamps representing Morn and Eve by sculptor Alfred Drury. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds in 1964
The Odeon Cinema at the junction of New Briggate and The Headrow on the night of a performance by The Beatles in October 1964. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds in 1964
The Green Man public house on Dewsbury Road in Hunslet in August 1964. The second window on the left has 'Public Bar' etched on the glass while the window in the centre says 'Outdoor Room'. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
4. Leeds in 1964
Lance Ash is rescued from a 130ft chimney at Mark Rowlands furniture warehouse on East Street in April 1964. He had been trapped for six hours while clearing bricks during the demolition. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
5. Leeds in 1964
June 1964 and pictured is Seacroft Civic Centre, the first large scale shopping and civic centre development serving a large area of east Leeds.
6. Leeds in 1964
Corner terraced houses on Acton Street at the junction with Kiln Street in Beeston in July 1964. The shop is licensed to sell groceries. It is on Kiln Street at number 20. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service