FUNDING from Bradford Council’s £35 million city centre growth zone scheme was the clincher for three arts and retail entrepreneurs to open a new venture.

Mohammed Rasul, Fuad Khan and Tehreem Rasul have ambitious plans for their new Artz-I store at the junction of Sunbridge Road and Kirkgate.

The new store on four floors will sell handicrafts from around the world including the markets of Cairo and Instanbul.

Mohammed Rasul, who launched Artzi-I Ltd with his partners in September, said around £500,000 was being invested initially to renovate the six-storey corner site where half a dozen jobs are being created initially.

In addition to sales floors, the Artz-i store will feature an art gallery where local artists will be able to display their work, together with a design studio and manufacturing workshops.

The owners, who have signed a 15-year lease on the premises, are also planning to open a coffee shop in due course.

Artz-i Ltd will sell jewellery; canvas prints, oil paintings; carved wood; pottery; brass and copper lamps; gift cards and hand painted ceramic tiles and stone tiles; small furniture and lighting.

Mohammed Rasul, who has 25 year’s retail experience, including running a Huddersfield-based chain of designer menswear stores with an outlet in Bradford, believes the city is an ideal location for the new venture.

He said: “ We are looking to offer the sort of arts and crafts found in the likes of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, but at more down-to-earth prices. I know from my experience in the fashion business that people from this area will buy quality goods.”

The idea for the venture came about when Mohammed and Fuad , who has an arts background, were both living in the Middle East and decided to combine their skills and experience.

Mohammed praised the growth zone scheme, which has provided Artz-I with a capital grant as well as a rate rebate for job creation.

He said: “ We had been searching for the right venue for some time and the combination of this prominent corner site along with the growth zone support made Bradford the most attractive option. It made all the difference and the council has been excellent in helping us.”

Bradford Council leader Cllr David Green, said: “We are delighted to support this excitingproject which will not only bring jobs to the city centre but will attract visitors, shoppers and art lovers. I wish them well.”