SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

I've long noticed these old looking steps and the drain by the side of the River Aire on the right bank just down river from the footbridge coming from Neville Street (near the Dark Arches) so I took these photos today (Feb 19 2015). I wonder where the water in the drain comes from? There was though only a trickle of water today coming out of the drain today (the 'growth' inside makes it look like there is a good flow) but when I was there on Feb 17 2015 there was a noticeable flow out (photos I took then did not however come out well, so I deleted them).

I believe that the steps were something to do with the old boatyard and the drain is an overflow from the old dry dock which is now a mooring for boats.

Thanks buffaloskinner for those fascinating photos and your suggested information . I wonder in the old black & white photo if that to the left is a lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and if so it might be the River Aire coming in from the right not far downriver from where the river comes out of the Dark Arches.

Leodian wrote:I wonder in the old black & white photo if that to the left is a lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and if so it might be the River Aire coming in from the right not far downriver from where the river comes out of the Dark Arches.

It certainly is Leo, here's the same shot in the 1980's

Would these steps where when going upstream the assistant bargee could get off his barge walk to the lock gates and open one so his bargee mate could insert his barge in the lock the assistant could then close the gate and lift the barge up , the reverse behind for downstream , or even if they anchored for the night opposite the LICS coal staithes it would be an easy alighting spot whilst they sunbathed on the banks watching the trains and the rats .

Ah, yes, I posted a picture of this outflow in What and Where some time back. I, too, think it's the drain for the dry dock show. These little details constantly ineterst me.