Landlord offers building rent free in bid to get local business going

THOSE who say there is no such thing as a free lunch may have to eat their words, thanks to the novel approach being taken by one landlord.

A Co Roscommon businessman is offering a landmark building in his home town, rent free.

Gerard Kelly reckons too many shops have closed down in his native Boyle.

Now in a bid to create employment, he’s offering potential retailers free rent for one year.

Kelly reckons there is nothing revolutionary about what he is doing and predicts that it will be a growing trend.

“I think it will be pretty commonplace. I have already seen free rent being advertised in other local towns.”

His premises, the former Rockingham Arms pub, on the corner of Bridge Street and the Carrick road, has probably reflected changing economic trends, having operated as an estate agent’s and an internet café in the decade since pints stopped flowing there. The ground floor measures 1,100 square feet (about 102 sq m).

Now in what is being billed as “a sign of the times” a large ad, prominently placed in the shop window offering the shop rent-free, has passers-by doing a double take.

“The property is empty and I have seen other empty shops deteriorating as the months pass,” he said.

“My family has made a good living in Boyle over the years and I feel that if I could help get a business off the ground and maybe even create a few jobs it’s better than having yet another shop closed up.”

While Boyle Chamber of Commerce has launched a successful initiative in recent months that has seen many shop fronts brightened up, the shutters are down on dozens of retail outlets.

“If you read the small print you will see that I am asking for a deposit to make sure whoever takes the building is committed,” Kelly said.

However, he has had only three inquiries so far.

“It’s free for a year and after that we will be prepared to negotiate but I can guarantee it won’t be over €100 a week,” said Kelly, appealing to prospective tennants.