At €20,000 monthly rent, why the “10 Comédie” will remain empty during the Christmas holidays in Montpellier ?

The business, central to the Comédie, was purchased at auction by the Métropole in September 2022. Midi Libre – TANYA CONTRERAS

The monthly amount paid by the Métropole is jarring while the premises are empty. But for the community, it is giving itself the choice to establish a sustainable and quality brand there more quickly.

Since the Montpellier Metropolitan Area bought the business for €425,000 at an auction in September 2022, the premises (aptly named “10 Comédie” since that is its address) have hosted various temporary stores: Nouvelles Grisettes, Jeans Tuffery and a selection of local wines under the aegis of the tourist office. Except that this year, despite the end-of-year celebrations, no storefront has adorned the window of this central location in Montpellier. A situation that makes people cringe when you know that the rents (premises and business assets) are approaching €20,000 per month in the pocket of the owner (less charges and VAT), Marcel Salerno. The owner must request permission from the community before setting up a business there. Except that between him and the Metropolis, relations are sometimes fluctuating, depending on the weather of the day. “If there's no one, it's the Metropolis' problem, he explains. When I walk past it, I get a stomach ache to see it closed. I want them to put something in there that's viable. I've given my agreement several times. Especially for Orange, according to the mayor's wishes.”

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“Negotiations are underway”

Except that Orange is arriving on Rue de la Loge. In an earlier time, Nespresso was also mentioned. Marcel Salerno also dreams of launching his own brand, a fruit bar. The name of the Gibert bookstore has been circulating. On the Metropole side, there is agreement on one point: to install a high-quality and prestigious brand there. “It was precisely a strong choice to take over the lease in the desire to participate in the economic dynamics of the Comédie, an emblematic place, explains the community… which confirms that there will be no pop-up store during the holidays despite the economic potential they generate. We had already placed Tuffery there, which was a success since they then settled in the city. This time, we are in a phase where we want a permanent installation. Keeping the site empty allows us to envisage rapid exploitation. Negotiations are underway.“

The mayor has already announced that he hopes for a rapid outcome. But it will be after Christmas. The owner points out that he has a restrictive lease, therefore a right of inspection.

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