A new creative space for Bradford artists to exhibit and sell their work is set to open at an empty city centre shop.

Arts development organisation Fabric has secured a lease on the former Zavvi store, in Tyrrel Street, which it hopes to transform into a shop selling hand-made goods by March.

The new venue, which has been supported by a £30,000 funding grant from Bradford Council, will also offer creative entrepreneurs advice on how to develop their work through partnerships with businesses in the city.

Fabric director Gideon Seymour said the organisation had been keen to take over the lease of the unit due to its prominent city centre location.

He said: “We will use the building as a centre for creative enterprise. It’s not just about showcasing people’s artwork, but also about helping those people who are developing work, be it fine art, crafts, jewellery, ceramics, textiles or fashion, to start selling their products.

“By supporting those people to develop their produce we hope over time they can work out what works and, either on their own or in groups, move on to other empty properties which they can take and turn into independent retail space so Bradford has an independent retail offer. It’s not just about producing an art space, but about regenerating the city centre.”

The shop will run from the ground floor of the unit, with exhibition space and room for installations and film screenings on the first floor. Artists will have access to office and work space on the second floor.

Bradford’s Zavvi store was among 18 owned by the company to close after the high street music retailer went into administration.

Since then the site has remained empty and disused and has become something of a symbol of decline in the heart of the city centre, according to traders.

Fabric is keen to hear from businesses able to provide advice or mentor people using the centre. For more information, call Mr Seymour on (01274) 370291 or e-mail gideon.seymour@creativebradford.co.uk.