In 1897, the Leeds city council of the time wanted to improve the open space near to the (Old) Post Office and in 1899 work was completed. The city square was enhanced with the erection of statues, the grandest being the Black Prince on horseback in bronze. There are other statues of other worthy local people – Joseph Priestley, John Harrison, James Watt and Dr Walter Hook – plus statues of eight nymphs.

To the south is the railway station, the Queens Hotel and the streets of Bishopgate Street and New Station Street. To the west is Majestyks nightclub, the Old Post Office (currently being converted into a restaurant, apartments and leisure complex) and the streets of Aire Street, Wellington Street, Quebec Street and Infirmary Street. To the East is the Leeds Park Plaza hotel on Boar Lane. Park Row leads north from the square.

The City Square area was refurbished in the early 2000s, which included closing off one side of the square to traffic, rearranging the statues and adding traditional fixtures to the square.