A vision of how Green Lanes could look, with new trees and benches making streetcorner 'micro squares'.

A traders’ group has won more than £2million in grants to transform the Green Lanes shopping strip - the largest amount invested for more than three decades.

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The hunt is now on to bottle the “magic spice” that makes the area unique, aunsightly railway bridge to the south at Harringay Green Lanes station could be turned into a glittering gateway to a rejuvenated shopping destination, featuring 14 “micro squares” at junctions including benches, trees and power points for market stalls.

Shopfronts could be smartened up and conservation work boosted, and a take on a “street canopy” arching between the roofs either side may become a reality.

Rob Chau, secretary of the Harringay Green Lanes Traders Association, who led a team of seven volunteers working on the bid to the Mayor Of London, said: “This is very exciting for Green Lanes, and credit to Boris Johnson and his team recognising that high street life is important.

“We were up against 80-odd bids in this round, [and] they realised the creativity of our bid. We don’t want to be another Crouch End or Muswell Hill; we have got to be unique in our own way and find that magic spice and ingredient that’s specific to Green Lanes.”

The traders intend to ask the public’s views on improving the area, opening a ‘pop-up’ shop with artist’s impressions and a scale model of the high street to kick-start the discussion, as no plans are set in stone yet.

“We want to get the real feelings of the community,” said Mr Chau. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity; it’s a bit like the Olympic Games!”

The bid was boosted by the success of last year’s food festival, he added, which helped prove the community spirit, dedication and commitment of traders and volunteers.

A design team was brought in to turn initial ideas into serious proposals, and another team of architects will take the project forward.

Of the £2,003,207 investment, City Hall awarded the traders £1,778,507 from its Outer London Fund, with a further £224,700 coming from the public and private sector. City Hall also funded the food festival and Christmas lights.