SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

I recently came across this old photo I took of the Schofields (Headrow) Shopping Centre, shortly after the demolition of the old Schofields building. I can't remember exactly when it was taken, probably about 1988.

Nice pic mate.. I worked on that new Schofields center job.. The place doesn't match good old Schofields though.. Those heated corridore were sheer luxury in Winter     

I haven't lived in Leeds for a long time, but return frequently. Its funny to think how the St John's Centre (pictured across the road from the Schofields building site) was empty for years except for Jumbo Records and a stall selling dried fruit and nuts.The most expensive walkway in Europe my dad used to call it.

michael-k wrote: I haven't lived in Leeds for a long time, but return frequently. Its funny to think how the St John's Centre (pictured across the road from the Schofields building site) was empty for years except for Jumbo Records and a stall selling dried fruit and nuts.The most expensive walkway in Europe my dad used to call it. hi michael k. are you sure your not thinking of the arcade on the end of the merrion centre where jumbo records used to be?

No, I mean St John's.It opened sometime in the mid 80s, a few years before this photo was taken. For ages there were no shops in it.I have very clear memories of using the St John's Centre as a walk through from the Headrow to the Merrion Centre, as there was really no other reason to go in there.I could be wrong, but if memory serves me right when Jumbo records moved there from the Merrion Centre it was about the only shop in the whole shopping centre.....Although that row where Jumbo had been previously in the Merrion Centre (behind Morrisons) was also something of a waste land.

I remember the record shop been there. it was at the top of the escalator on the St Johns church side wasn't it?    

Phill_d wrote: I remember the record shop been there. it was at the top of the escalator on the St Johns church side wasn't it?     Yes that's right. Is it not still there?

To be honest with you mate i couldn't tell you. i very rarely go to town when there's anyone in it.. I hate the place... Window shoppers, prams & chavs.... I'm often shocked if i arranging to meet someone, i often name a place thats been closed 15 years     

Jumbo was still there the last time I went through. The same knowledgeable lad served me as he has done over many years. It has to be one of Leeds' oldest private record stores.

michael-k wrote: No, I mean St John's.It opened sometime in the mid 80s, a few years before this photo was taken. For ages there were no shops in it.I have very clear memories of using the St John's Centre as a walk through from the Headrow to the Merrion Centre, as there was really no other reason to go in there.I could be wrong, but if memory serves me right when Jumbo records moved there from the Merrion Centre it was about the only shop in the whole shopping centre.....Although that row where Jumbo had been previously in the Merrion Centre (behind Morrisons) was also something of a waste land. yeah you are right Michael,it was nothing more than a way of getting from the Merrion Centre to Lewiss and vice versa in the rain without getting wet.It was devoid of shops for a good while,though not years.Have not been in it for years,no need to as it is still just a thoroughfare with no particular shops of interest.