Two entrepreneurs are aiming to get part of Shipley renamed to attract more visitors and link up with the UNESCO World Heritage site of nearby Saltaire .

Jonathan Martell and Banjo Bray have met with Bradford Council leader David Green to discuss the idea of renaming the Westgate area as either ‘The Old Quarter’ or ‘Independence Street’ to create a clear identity as a destination for visitors and give local traders a boost.

The move comes as the pair marked the opening of their third business on Westgate. They believe their investment has helped breathe new life into the street, behind Shipley Market Square, where all the retail units are now occupied.

They are also pushing for a display board to be erected in the town centre to flag up what the street offers.

Mr Martell said: “We’ve discussed the idea with Councillor Green and explained to him the concept of renaming the street to reflect either a heritage theme or the fact that it is a base for a wide range of independent businesses. It’s early days yet but we hope our idea will be looked upon favourably.

“A new identity would help both direct people to the street and increase footfall in the shops and provide a focal point which could connect to Saltaire and provide a wider visitor experience “Our business ethos is very much about being involved with the local community and traders on Westgate work well together and help each other out. From a street of run down or empty units we now have new and established businesses occupying most of the premises and there is a growing community feeling.”

He and Mr Bray, who moved to Bradford after working in advertising in London's West End, initially established Creative Spread Ltd, a digital design agency, in February last year. The company designed the website for retail chain Costa Coffee. Other big name clients include WHSmith, Argos and Airbus. The agency also works for smaller and local clients.

Mr Martell, a trained mental health nurse who became a senior NHS manager, and Mr Bray then re-launched Shipley Health Store in the shop next door to Creative Spread’s offices. The store is the only one of its kind within a ten-mile radius and the first in the area to incorporate locally produced goods.

Their latest venture within the store is a bakery producing specialist breads and a delicatessen in partnership with Jeremy Belsten, former head chef at Salts Mill.

The pair have invested around £100,000 in upgrading and adapting the premises in Westgate and have created nine jobs, including apprenticeships in both the retail and digital operations.