Leeds Quarry Hill Flats in 26 photos - rise and fall of the UK's largest social housing complex

They were built to tackle a housing problem affecting thousands of working class Leeds residents blighted by slum properties and illegal back-to-back housing.

Quarry Hill Flats became the largest social housing complex in the United Kingdom and helped to reduce the housing problem during the war. It was seen as a modern build at the time which included lifts, electric lighting, a laundrette and even a swimming pool. The flats were popular, encouraging a sense of community through the highly communal way of living. Yet being deemed ahead of their time the flats were demolished in 1978 due to their poor condition. READ MORE: The A to Z of Leeds - 26 reasons to be proud of your city

PICS: YPNplaceholder image
PICS: YPN
Much of this view was demolished to make way for Quarry Hill Flats. In 1718 there were pleasant meadows on Quarry Hill.placeholder image
Much of this view was demolished to make way for Quarry Hill Flats. In 1718 there were pleasant meadows on Quarry Hill.
Good Shepherd Mission Chapel which was demolished to make way for Quarry Hill Flats.placeholder image
Good Shepherd Mission Chapel which was demolished to make way for Quarry Hill Flats.
Quarry Hill flats during construction during the 1930s.placeholder image
Quarry Hill flats during construction during the 1930s.
Quarry Hill Flats under construction and Leeds Bus Station.placeholder image
Quarry Hill Flats under construction and Leeds Bus Station.
Pictured is Margaret Roberts in a photo which appeared in the YEP in May 1959 when she was only 13. She was chosen as Quarry Hill Flats Tenants' Association gala queen for that year.placeholder image
Pictured is Margaret Roberts in a photo which appeared in the YEP in May 1959 when she was only 13. She was chosen as Quarry Hill Flats Tenants' Association gala queen for that year.
Quarry Hill Flats sub post office. Thieves broke in and made off with a safe containing cash, postal orders and stock said to be worth 4,000.placeholder image
Quarry Hill Flats sub post office. Thieves broke in and made off with a safe containing cash, postal orders and stock said to be worth 4,000.
Two locals catch up on gossip on a cold winter's day.placeholder image
Two locals catch up on gossip on a cold winter's day.
Quarry Hills Flats during the mid 1970s. Do you know someone who lived there?placeholder image
Quarry Hills Flats during the mid 1970s. Do you know someone who lived there?
A painter at work at Victoria House.placeholder image
A painter at work at Victoria House.
Broken windows in Thoresby House.placeholder image
Broken windows in Thoresby House.
The decay of Quarry Hill Flats is on full view.placeholder image
The decay of Quarry Hill Flats is on full view.
Do you remember playing football here?placeholder image
Do you remember playing football here?
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