SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Apologies if this has been covered before. On a visit to Leeds a couple of weeks ago I couldn't believe how dated and overpowering "West Riding House" looked. It's a real throwback to the late 60's / early 70's when this type of building was all the rage.

PC - Dublin wrote: Apologies if this has been covered before. On a visit to Leeds a couple of weeks ago I couldn't believe how dated and overpowering "West Riding House" looked. It's a real throwback to the late 60's / early 70's when this type of building was all the rage. I'd never really noticed that aspect till I saw your picture above - its true, it does look overpowering and really incongruous in that particular area.    If only planners would encourage more beautiful buildings like the two newish ones at the bottom of Park Row, one either side - I've always thought that they are both magnificent in two different styles.

I seem to recall that the predecessor of West Riding House from this viewpoint on Albion Place was a fine building of classical design. Is there a picture on Leodis?

There will come a time when people will be bemoaning the demolition of buildings like this."Why did they have to tear down all those lovely old towerblocks" they'll say.

I can see what the above are saying but personally i like the building. The way it looms and glowers over that area of the city. It takes me back to the brooding slightly sinister city of my youth. One of the last stubborn and arrogant monuments to our glorious monochrome past.

Mork of Ork wrote: There will come a time when people will be bemoaning the demolition of buildings like this."Why did they have to tear down all those lovely old towerblocks" they'll say. Now, that's assuming theylast that long. The present Royal Exchange House (refurbished to no significant worthiness externally) replaced the original ornate stone built Exchange House.