Delivering quality homes and honouring a local Leeds swimming champion
A new council housing development delivered by us is bringing high-quality affordable homes to Leeds and is paying tribute to a sporting hero of yesteryear.
The Leeds City Council development – which comprises 25 one-bedroom apartments and eight two and three-bedroom houses – has been built at Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft.
As part of the project’s commitment to community engagement, pupils from Beechwood Primary School worked with our social value team to name the apartment building. The chosen name, Doris Storey House, honours the remarkable east Leeds swimmer who won double gold at the 1938 Empire Games.
Two of Doris’s grandchildren, brothers Darren and Damian Quarmby, were joined at Brooklands Avenue by representatives from Wates, senior councillors and other stakeholders for an event celebrating the imminent completion of the scheme.
The event also saw the official unveiling of an eye-catching mural created by artist Alexandra Elstone in the foyer of Doris Storey House, featuring a depiction of a female swimmer in action.
Guests at the event were given a sneak preview of a new Leeds Civic Trust blue plaque honouring Doris’s achievements.
The plaque’s permanent home will be the old York Road baths in Richmond Hill, where Doris fitted in training sessions around her job as a machinist.
It was great to attend the event at Brooklands Avenue, a development which highlights the impressive results being delivered by our Council Housing Growth Programme.
“I paid a visit to the site when work was just starting early last year, so to see it now, filled with high-quality and affordable homes ready for the arrival of new tenants, is something really special.
“It’s important for a scheme such as this to look and feel like part of the wider community and – by honouring the exploits of Doris Storey, a genuine local hero – it is doing exactly that.”
Councillor Jess Lennox
Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for housing
I think it’s vital that we, as a city, celebrate the part that culture of all kinds – including sport and art – has played and continues to play in the rich and endlessly fascinating story of Leeds.
“I was delighted, therefore, to join Alexandra Elstone to perform the official unveiling of her new mural at Doris Storey House.
“It’s a stunning piece of work and a fine example of how modern-day Leeds can show its appreciation for the people from the past whose dedication and talent helped make our city great.”
Councillor Salma Arif
Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture
I’m incredibly proud of the homes we’ve built at Brooklands Avenue. This development is a testament to the care, quality and commitment that Wates brings to every project.
“These are homes designed to last, to provide places where people can feel proud to live, build their futures and truly thrive.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Leeds City Council to deliver housing that meets real local need while honouring the legacy of a local hero.”
David Wingfield
David Wingfield, Managing Director of Construction East at Wates
Our blue plaques scheme celebrates the people and places that have shaped Leeds, helping us remember their achievements and the city’s proud history.
“Doris’s story is one of dedication and community spirit, and her plaque will help ensure that legacy is not forgotten.”
Martin Hamilton
Director of Leeds Civic Trust
The scheme has been delivered by our Construction business, with the handover of the homes to the council scheduled for next week ahead of the first residents moving in.
We have carried out a wide-ranging community engagement programme in Seacroft since work began on the development in late 2023. The programme’s positive results include:
- Connecting with more than 1,330 local students via school activities, work experience, site visits and other initiatives;
- Supporting the Seacroft Community On Top group with a £10,000 grant from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust;
- Lending a hand at the Seacroft Forest Garden community green space, with members of the Brooklands Avenue construction team putting in 110 hours of volunteering time there.
These new homes are a fantastic addition to Seacroft, offering affordable, high-quality places for families to call their own.
“It’s also fitting that they honour Doris Storey, whose achievements continue to inspire.
“By investing in sites like this through our Brownfield Housing Fund, we’re building the homes local people need while protecting our green spaces for future generations.”
Tracy Brabin
Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
