A run-down part of Thornton Road could become Bradford's "artists' quarter" under new plans from Bradford Council.

The aim is to persuade the new generation of David Hockneys to remain in the city to live and work - and at the same time, regenerate part of the city centre.

Council officers are carrying out a feasibility study into plans to turn a derelict wool warehouse into a haven for artists, with gallery space, a caf, and small studio units.

The building - at 125 Thornton Road - is near the Art College at Junction Mill and handy for the city centre.

Art students are among the interested parties to have been consulted so far and already demand is so high Council officers have expanded their original scheme. They are now also considering the next-door site - 127 Thornton Road - which could be developed for extra studio space.

Converting the four-storey Council-owned warehouse will cost £1 million, which would have to come from an Arts Lottery bid.

If the next-door site is also included, it would feature combined living and working spaces for artists, some wheelchair-friendly, and it is hoped a housing association would could contribute towards the cost.

A Council spokesman said: "125 Thornton Road is comparatively unspoilt and has magnificent interiors with cast iron columns and substantial timber floors. The top floor, which would become the gallery caf, has exposed roof trusses and a glazed mansard - roof, giving magnificent views across the city."

Councillor Barry Thorne (Lab, Keighley) said: "The arts can play a major role in helping to regenerate run-down areas.

"Being close to the College and the city centre, this part of Thornton Road has huge potential. We want young artists coming out of the college and staying in Bradford. This area is ideal for development of studio and living space which will help to keep them here."

Alan Brack, a member of the Bradford Arts Forum, welcomed the plans.

He said: "The Council should try and make cheap affordable accommodation available to up-and-coming young artists.''

Robert Galeta, a part-time teacher at the art college, added: "There's definitely a need in Bradford for accommodation and studio facilities. At the moment people are leaving here and going to Leeds or Hebden Bridge."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.