A ‘GENEROUS offer’ to take on a retail premises in Andover town centre completely rent-free has been made available.

Andover BID, with the help of a local business owner, is offering an independent business the chance to rent a retail unit in Waterloo Court rent-free for one year.

The double fronted, 55 square-metre unit is one of two that the BID has been able to successfully negotiate rent-free.

The other unit has already been let with a new independent business having opened there last week.

Steve Godwin, Andover BID manager, said: “This is a great opportunity for an independent business wanting to start up or move to the town.

“The generous offer has been made courtesy of a local business owner in support of the BID and who is keen to see the number of independents increase in the town adding to the offer of Andover.

“Andover is an attractive town with much to offer and is due to grow significantly in the next few years.

“The BID is working hard with its stakeholders to stimulate interest and vitality to our town centre.

“This unit is an ideal start-up unit and may also be applicable for small business rate relief and possible business grant support.

“It also comes at a time when Test Valley Borough Council has taken its exciting first steps towards redeveloping part of the town centre whilst preparing an overall masterplan.”