When the Merrion Centre was formally opened in Leeds on May 26th, 1964 it was a pioneering development. Housing cinemas, ten-pin bowling, the Mecca ballroom, the Merrion Hotel and the city's only multi-story car park, it was also home to a range of shops such as Woolworths, Tesco and Greenwoods. It changed the face of retailing in the UK forever.

The development was the vision of Arnold Ziff. Sadly, he passed away in 2004 but his family continue to play a leading role in the management of the centre through Town Centre Securities PLC. The inspired architecture of the complex has allowed it to change and modernise and it remains a vital hub for retail in Leeds.

For my contribution to the celebratory book "The Merrion Centre: The first fifty years", I was allowed round the clock access to the Centre. Many of my photos are featured in that book. This is my own version of some of my favourite photos from the project.

I am very grateful for the opportunity that was given me. When I first moved to Leeds every journey to town with my children began in the Centre car park. I have a huge affection for the Merrion Centre and great admiration for its modernist architecture. More of my photos are archived at http://theheartofleeds.com