The road which gained fame with Eddy Grant's 1983 single Electric Avenue was built in the 1880s and was the first shopping street in the country to be lit by electricity.

The new money will be spent on restoring buildings in the street to their former glory, and on a series of community projects, including a proposal for solar powered electricity.

Cllr Jack Hopkins, Cabinet member for Jobs & Growth, said: “I’m delighted that we have been successful in our bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £1.95million.

“It would not have been possible without the support of the community, Brixton businesses and the hard work of the Brixton Heritage Regeneration Partnership.

“The backing of the HLF, combined with a council cash commitment, will boost businesses, improve the look of the area and have knock on social benefits.”

Sue Bowers, Head of HLF London, said: “This project makes possible the restoration of a number of  buildings in the heart of Brixton town centre. This not only strengthens and enhances the historic character of the area but it also helps to reinvigorate the local economy by bringing buildings back into productive use.”  

HLF has awarded £1,950,000 to the Brixton Townscape Heritage Initiative with a further £650,000 Lambeth council commitment. Victorian properties in the street will be restored and empty upper floor space brought back into use as new homes. Grants of up to 85 per cent will be available to property and business owners in the area for relevant building work.

The scheme will also see £105,000 put towards community and training activities to broaden engagement with Brixton’s heritage including children and young people's workshops, a temporary Brixton Museum and guided heritage walks.

For more information visit the Future Brixton website.

Further information

For more information contact Lawrence Conway, Lambeth Media Team, on 020 7926 0474 or lconway@lambeth.gov.uk.