A photo from April 1938 showing visitors queuing in New York Road to see Quarry Hill Flats. The first stage of the construction of the flats was completed the previous month. Potential residents wanted to see the new facilities available.placeholder image
A photo from April 1938 showing visitors queuing in New York Road to see Quarry Hill Flats. The first stage of the construction of the flats was completed the previous month. Potential residents wanted to see the new facilities available. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

Quixotic photos showcase Leeds Quarry Hill Flats in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 10th Oct 2025, 11:01 GMT

It was, at the time, the largest social housing complex in the UK noted for its sheer size and modernist design.

Quarry Hill Flats boasted radical and modern features such as solid fuel ranges, electric lighting, a state-of-the-art refuse disposal system (Garchey) and communal facilities including a swimming pool. These photos rewind to 1938 when it first opened after the first raft of work had been completed with much more construction to follow. The images provide an intriguing snapshot of life and are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service and photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Nostalgic photos chart rise and fall of Leeds Quarry Hill Flats LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Steel framework for Oastler House, in the foreground the Garchey refuse incineration plant is being built, the chimney can be seen. This photo was taken in September 1938.

7. Quarry Hill Flats

Steel framework for Oastler House, in the foreground the Garchey refuse incineration plant is being built, the chimney can be seen. This photo was taken in September 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The single-storey Estate Office building, situated on the end of Wright House, facing York Street pictured in September 1938.

8. Quarry Hill Flats

The single-storey Estate Office building, situated on the end of Wright House, facing York Street pictured in September 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A mesh of steel framework with refuse centre chimney in the centre in October 1938.

9. Quarry Hill Flats

A mesh of steel framework with refuse centre chimney in the centre in October 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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August 1938. A wide-view of steel frame-work construction of the flats. On the left, would be Oastler House, coming to Priestley House on the right. This is from the newly-built bus station on St. Peter's Street.

10. Quarry Hill Flats

August 1938. A wide-view of steel frame-work construction of the flats. On the left, would be Oastler House, coming to Priestley House on the right. This is from the newly-built bus station on St. Peter's Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Kitson House, with entrance arch. Marsh Lane is on the left and New York Road to the right in October 1938.

11. Quarry Hill Flats

Kitson House, with entrance arch. Marsh Lane is on the left and New York Road to the right in October 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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October 1938. Building of Moynihan House, which faced onto New York Road.

12. Quarry Hill Flats

October 1938. Building of Moynihan House, which faced onto New York Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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