More than £1 million has been secured in a bid to transform New Briggate in Leeds city centre.
Known as the city's very own 'mini Soho', the cash injection will be used to revitalise the city's Grand Quarter and inject a new lease of life into the area.
It's popular with ticket holders at Leeds Grand Theatre, shoppers at the Grand Arcade and revellers who visit the huge number of nearby bars.
However, council chiefs reckon that only 17 per cent of the buildings are in good condition, with a third in a 'poor' or 'very poor' state.
With that in mind, Leeds City Council submitted a bid for £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Townscape Heritage Programme in November 2017.
Only £1.3 million has been allocated from the pool of cash, but that could rise to the full £2 million next January.
The council has promised to match the confirmed £1.3 million figure - and it is hoped that local businesses will also step in with their own cash too.
What will the money be spent on?
Major repair works will be made to a number of historic buildings, while empty floor units will be opened for business once more. The energy efficiency of many of the historic buildings will be drastically improved and pedestrian access will also be a main priority.
The bulk of the work is expected to be focused on buildings between the junctions with Harrison Street and Merrion Street.
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council's executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: "Securing this funding is an acknowledgement that Leeds is one of the best at delivering heritage-led regeneration.
"This project will make a real difference to New Briggate. Not only will it improve the vitality of the area and make it an attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and visit, it will also further support our efforts to create a better connected city."
Visit our dedicated Leeds News page for the biggest talking points from across the city.
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.
