Village bars are much more than just a counter where you can order a coffee; they are the true living room of a town, the place where daily life unfolds and local identity is preserved. However, the exodus to large cities is leaving many towns without these everyday havens. Such is the case in Ulldemolins, a municipality in the Priorat region, which has spent exactly a decade trying to breathe new life into the bar-restaurant in its civic center, without managing to get it to reopen its doors.
To reverse this situation and following five previous calls for bids that were unsuccessful, the town council has decided to launch a new call for bids with exceptional terms. The proposal aims to find someone willing to take the helm of the business in exchange for a stable contract, a social housing apartment to settle in the town, and direct financial assistance to make getting the project off the ground as easy as possible—and to help fulfill the dream of many: to make a grand return to the joys of country life.
Zero-cost rent and public housing
The agreement proposed by the municipality consists of a four-year contract, with the option to extend it for an additional year. The monthly rent for the premises has been set at a symbolic 250 euros, but the main attraction of the offer lies in its initial terms: the first year is fully subsidized, meaning the rent will be zero.
The mayor of Ulldemolins, Sergi Méndez, explained to the radio station RAC1 that this subsidy is designed so that the new operators can invest that money in getting the business off the ground or covering initial expenses such as self-employment fees. However, the essential condition is that the service must be sustained, preventing it from simply being “a free year.” In addition to this package, social housing will be provided to facilitate the relocation of those who take on the challenge.
The Heart of Neighborhood Life
For the town, reviving this establishment is much more than a commercial matter. In the words of the mayor himself, the civic center is “the heart of the town, a space for gathering and socializing” that is absolutely essential for revitalizing the daily lives of residents.
Although Ulldemolins is primarily an agricultural town, it has a thriving service sector and a highly attractive natural and cultural environment. Currently, there are businesses operating successfully, such as a bakery, a butcher shop, and a supermarket affiliated with the local cooperative.
However, the civic center bar is not the only concern. The mayor warns that, although there are other restaurants in town, many are at risk of closing due to a lack of a new generation to take over once their current owners reach retirement age—a challenge they hope to begin addressing with this new initiative.
