Haringey Council has been awarded £50,000 from HLF to develop its plan to give the area a facelift by restoring the traditional frontages of shops.

The project, which would be completed by 2017, is focused on the North Tottenham conservation area and demonstrates the council’s commitment to support local traders as part of the area’s major regeneration.

The money would be used to restore historic shop fronts to their original appearance, including repairing windows and surviving original features, as well as removing insensitive alterations made during the last 50 years.

Councillor Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "We are proud of Tottenham’s heritage and it is important that we remember the past as we build for the future.

"This project would be completed just as Spurs move into their new stadium and hundreds of new homes are completed, so it is important that our shopping areas also look the part to attract new visitors.

"A thriving High Road is a key part of our plan for Tottenham, creating more trade for our businesses and more jobs for local people."

Haringey Council will now work with partners including English Heritage, Tottenham Traders Partnership, Tottenham Civic Society and Spurs to develop its full bid for £1,470,500 in funding.

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: "This area is in particular need of serious investment so the Heritage Lottery Fund is pleased to be able to give initial support to plans that have the potential to both regenerate and reinvigorate.

"Haringey Council has clearly identified how best to approach conserving Tottenham High Road’s historic character whilst also kick-starting schemes to encourage training opportunities and community involvement. These are targeted and thoughtful proposals and we look forward to seeing them develop over the coming year."

Further information

Haringey Council: David Hardiman, Senior Communications Officer on 020 8489 2963.

Heritage Lottery Fund: Katie Owen on 020 7591 6036, email: katieo@hlf.org.uk.