Two empty shops in Bradford city centre, which were taken over by Fabric, a forum for local artists, are being brought back into use.

The former Ladbrokes at 33a Broadway has been taken on by Bradford University’s Theatre in the Mill as an additional rehearsal space, and the former Stead & Simpson shoe shop at 33 Broadway is to become a gallery space.

Gideon Seymour, director of Fabric, said: “We hope that by bringing these spaces into use we can bring more life to this area of the city as well as providing much needed facilities for the arts.”