Pictures show life in Colchester in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s

The pictures show, the now city, and its vibrant High Street.

Traffic still went through the town centre, the market was uncovered and cinemas were the big entertainment.

Over the two decades Colchester saw huge change from the creation of the Culver Square Shopping Centre to the punk rock era.

The Almshouses in Eld Lane had yet to be transformed into shops and there was no industrial metal barrier lining the bridge in East Street.

The Odeon was then in Crouch Street and Woolworths was a top shopping destination.

• Read more >> Here's when multi-million pound works on Colchester's rapid transit system will begin

If you grew up in the 90s you'll probably remember trips to Leisure World and Quasar.

So scroll through some of our favourite images of what it was like to live in Colchester across the three decades.

Shoppers in Eld Lane back in the 1980s

Culver Square as it appeared in 1987

Shops in Eld Lane back in the 1970s

St Botolph's Street back in September 1993

People on the High Street in 1994

Cars queue in St Botolph's Street in October 1993

Punk rockers enjoy a concert in Colchester in 1977

East Hill back in the 1970s

A bustling East Street in the 1980s

The High Street back in 1992

The Odeon in the 1990s

Lion Walk back in 1997

People enjoy the facilities at Leisure World in 1992

The High Street with traffic back in the 1980s

Colchester Town station as it was in April 1991

Quasar was a big deal back in 1993

Groups took to the rink at Rollerworld in 1994

If you could bring one thing back to north Essex from the 70s, 80s or 90s, what would it be?

We'd love to hear what you have to say.

Do you have pictures of yourself at the place in question?

If so, email gazette.newsdesk@newsquest.co.uk