SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Whilst wondering around with not a lot to do(as i'm on the sick), i was thinking back to whats changed around my area in the past 20 years or so. I was brought up in Belle Isle (lucky me!) and born in 74 so i'm only a pup really but so much has changed. I'm a firm believer in progress but why does progress have to spoil so many good things?

That picture is of the old butter factory/ co op on belle isle road............ this is whats there now!

Change has rarely been for the better wolrab. Especially were some of our fantastic buildings are concerned. Gone are the trades of old. Stonemasons, Carpentry skills replaced by no more nails adhesive & M.D.F. One good thing is that we now appreciate what is left of our heritage and the fine buildings that survive to this day most unlike the people who lived in the era when they were built, as they would have had a pretty hard exisistence living in some cramped squalid dwelling to be admiring the lavish architecture of the gentry of that day. Nice before & after shot you took there!

Thanks i got more, Again a row of shops on belle isle road. The shops were still there until 20-25 years ago.

And now flats............... of which over half stand empty!

Empty flats. No wonder there's no community spirit these days. Look at those shops all gone where everyone would have met up & had a good old natter. Les Dawson & Roy Barraclough spring to mind here!

I can almost see my great granni gosiping outside there!

wolrab wrote: Thanks i got more, Again a row of shops on belle isle road. The shops were still there until 20-25 years ago. Pretty sure they were there on Monday night when I passed. Isn't that St Oswald's hall behind?

I dont think so.I have been told that st oswalds was on opp side of road, the shop on the corner later turned out to be st oswalds indoor camping shop.

EMPIRE THEATRE, BRIGGATE Like many other people I was horrified when the Empire closed, and even more horrified when the developers tore it down by bulldozing the frontage until it gaped open more and more onto Briggate as the destruction went on apace. But for those who want to wallow in the past just ignore the pomposity of Harvey Nichols and the Victoria Quarter and step into that little short cross arcade and look up at the fine red brickwork - there you will see the original sign from above the rear entrance of that wonderful theatre - "EMPIRE PALACE."