A call has gone out to artists to help transform an area of empty land in Undercliffe into an “inspirational” community garden and allotment space.

The land at Beech Grove is next to a new development of 92 homes, and has been earmarked for new allotments for several years.

Once up and running the site will form part of the Bradford District Food Strategy, which includes the aim of having more people in the area grow their own food.

It has now been revealed that as well as food, the Council hopes to bring art into the site to make the project as popular with the community as possible. Local artists have been asked for their help to turn the vacant land into a “vibrant space for imaginative artwork”.

The site has previously been used as allotments, but with it being on a steep slope and suffering from a number of drainage problems, they were underused.

The new site will come at a time when demand for allotments is higher than it has been in years, and TV shows like the Big Allotment Challenge are proving popular with audiences.

The call for artists says the area will also have indoor learning space “inspired through arts and creativity,” and bespoke pieces of artwork. Creative people will work with schools, community groups and residents.

The brief says artists will be “providing arts based activities which offer participants to explore, learn and nurture a range of arts disciplines and techniques through which they will express food and growing messages”.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, executive member for environment and sport, said: “The project is in its very early stages and we have asked local artists to come forward with their ideas to create an inspirational outdoor space, working alongside local residents, community groups and schools.”

A meeting of artists was due to be held today and any artists interested can contact kate.stanley@bradford.gov.uk or call (01274) 433885.