Little Germany, the historic jewel in Bradford's crown, is set to take off at last.

The Victorian merchant quarter, which has more listed buildings that any other area its size in Britain, has won the backing of a national scheme under the patronage of Prince Charles.

It has been designated an urban village, which could see millions of pounds of development cash pouring in to turn it into a thriving, vibrant community.

The number of homes would increase by more than 500 per cent and the streets would buzz with bars, shops and restaurants.

Civic and community leaders say the scheme means lift-off at last for plans to turn Little Germany into the centrepiece of Bradford's appeal to tourists in the new Millennium.

Lesley Chalmers, of the Urban Village Forum Council, said: "I believe Little Germany could become a national model. It is an absolutely incredible part of the city. - unlike any other area."

The Forum has given the prestigious tag to just 20 other areas in Britain. And the council's economic strategy sub-committee chairman, Councillor Tony Cairns, said millions of pounds had already been invested in the regeneration of Little Germany. "It is the jewel in Bradford's crown, but we have been dealing with it piecemeal. Now we have the tools to bring it all together."

The designation means the former merchant quarter with its 72 listed buildings could draw major grants from the Government's regeneration body, English Partnerships.

Housing is likely to be a main plank of the strategy, with an increase in homes from 60 to as many as 300. Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "It means Little Germany will continue to develop." The council will now set up a non-profit making company which would get schemes off the ground. Coun Cairns said: "At present Little Germany dies at the end of a working day. But with a real community, other aspects would grow, like restaurants and so on."

Ben Laseorg, of Chambers Restaurant in Little Germany, gave a big welcome to the plan. He said it was essential to bring life into the historic quarter.

The director of Ancoats Urban Village in Manchester, Lyn Fenton, said their designation had brought a tremendous boost to the area which is made up of red-brick mills.

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