A scheme to plough £1.1million into preserving the cultural and historical heritage of one of Leeds’ most vibrant areas has been launched.

The Chapeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), jointly funded by Leeds City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and private investment, will help to revitalise the face of Chapeltown as well as provided a much needed economic boost to local traders.

The exciting five year regeneration scheme will target many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings within the Chapeltown Conservation Area that are in need of repair and restoration. The scheme’s main aim is to ensure the special architectural character of this unique area is preserved.

It is hoped the plans will spark a renaissance potential for this unique area, which is a key commercial gateway into and from Leeds City Centre. The area exists as a ‘hub’ for the surrounding community and has a diverse, specialist character that reflects the many peoples that live there.

The agencies involved are stressing that Chapeltown does not need to be ‘reinvented’ but instead should be enhanced and protected from poor development.

The THI will provide grants towards the cost of high quality restoration to heritage standards for three key historic shopping parades along Chapeltown Road. Applications are invited for façade improvements such as reinstatement of architectural features, shop front repair and renewal.

There will also be grants to bring historic floor space back into use with particular emphasis placed on repairing several properties as part of the same scheme contract. This will bring an increase value for money and the visual impact of the finished scheme.

Andrew Carter, council leader and Executive Board member for Development, said: “Chapeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative is a fantastic opportunity to return these buildings back to their former glory while also assisting and supporting existing and future local businesses.

“We are also co-ordinating and investing in a number of other schemes within the area such as the Joint Service Centre and Town and District Centre Regeneration Scheme which together with the THI will revitalise this unique area of Leeds.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber said: "Our townscapes and landmarks are a visual reminder of our shared heritage but today many areas are in need of a helping hand to be restored to their former glory.

“The Chapeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative will breathe new life into the area's historic buildings so that they can play a full role in the community again and provide a springboard for economic revival.”

The Chapeltown THI is funded by Leeds City Council and Heritage Lottery Fund and the council will administer grants from a pot worth around £1.1 million. This pot will also be supplemented by private investment. As well as financial aid for building improvements the council and other business organisations will work with owners and tenants to help them support new and existing enterprises.

The THI launch event will be followed by a public debate organised by the North East (Inner) Area Committee exploring the impact of the current economic downturn in Chapel Allerton, Roundhay and Moortown wards. Representatives from Jobcentre plus, local training and business support organisations will be present.

Chapeltown THI scheme is within the Chapeltown Conservation area, which was extended in 2007 to cover development along Chapeltown Road. It also encompasses the recreation ground on Savile Mount and Savile Drive and includes the buildings along the south side of Savile Mount, including the nearest shopping parade on Chapeltown Road.