Biltoki: “We are going to seek out the influence of the market halls of Béziers”

Biltoki: “We are going to seek out the influence of the market halls of Béziers”

A page is about to be turned in the history of the market halls of Béziers. Computer-generated image Naos architects

Biltoki: “We are going to seek out the influence of the market halls of Béziers”

The Biltoki concept is based on market halls where you can do your shopping but also taste on site. Computer-generated image Naos architects – Photo

In parallel with the discussions held with the current traders of the Béziers market halls (which have priority), the Biltoki company, service provider retained by the City of Béziers for the management of the premises,   has just launched a recruitment campaign for future traders. Responsible for expansion at Biltoki, Sixtine Leport answers our questions. 

How did you choose Béziers for your 10th location in France ? Did you do a market study ? 

Yes. Last year, we received a call from the town hall of Béziers, telling us that things were wrong with their market and asking us what we could do. We said to ourselves: let's see. And we fell in love with the hall. We could see very well why it didn't work. And we said to ourselves that it could be interesting. But we needed a more global study to know whether or not we wanted to come. We have what we call "an anchor" at Biltoki: I spent 15 days in Béziers meeting traders and business leaders, to find out how the Biterrois live, what their habits are. Everyone was unanimous: 10 years ago, Béziers didn't have that look, it's a promising city (…) If we think # If we stopped at demographic and economic data, we might not have come. But on site, we saw that it's a city that lives a lot around the ferias, with events around gastronomy that are a hit… So we responded to the # 39;call for tenders. We can ensure that the halls become an iconic address. Everyone talks about the market halls of Narbonne and Sète while in Béziers, there is a splendid historic building but the market halls do not shine. We're going to go get this radiation. 

The principle of the Biltoki trading halls

21 traders will be installed in half of the building. heated halls (separated by a glass wall from the other part), they will have signed an agreement of # 39;occupancy. "The halls are L-shaped, we are going to make I-shaped halls, easier & animate", explains Sixtine Leport. "We are going to concentrate the stands, with more products per m2, çthat makes you want more". The café Biltoki will be located in this market hall. For this, the company will therefore rent a location within the building. the City and it will be the only one & have a an index renté on its turnover. On the other side From the glass wall, to the sides of Hallegria, two restaurants could be created. With a mezzanine which will accommodate Biltoki's offices and a seminar room managed by Biltoki.

These will be halls on the "Latin model" and mixed où we will be able to at the same time to make your market and enjoy on site. Our mission is to bring life to life, to animate, to create links, to make the halls a place of exchange. Biltoki will operate with a recruited Operations Manager. locally and a communications and animation manager. Plus the café teams. contact@biltoki.com

What exactly is wrong in the halls ? 

When we came, there weren't a lot of stands open. The internal regulations are not respected. So there is not this excitement. Then, the stands are very large, oversized. There are no common areas for sitting. These are essential points: everyone must play the game, the internal regulations must be applied. We come, we don't know who is going to be open: that doesn't create regularity and habits for the consumer. But this is an observation that is not specific to Béziers. Many markets do not operate for these same reasons. The building is not open to the outside. it also plays a role in the commercial offer, by looking for more caterers and takeaway meals. And more animations. 

The arrival of Biltoki has caused a lot of concern among current traders. Particularly because of the increase in their rent. Where are you in discussions with them ? 

Indeed, who likes change when you've had habits for 30 years, when you're super free ? The setting is scary, beyond the rent. The traders were very worried, they were waiting. However, the project is for the people of Biterrois but also for them. For example, it's complicated to carry an animation all together. The mayor explained to us that there are historic traders to prioritize but some did not want to return… As for the conditions, they are very attractive: of course there is this increase rent but there is no variable (on the turnover Editor's note), they have a fixed rent. And the charges will not be re-invoiced. This rent must also be related to the additional activity. Today, the halls survive. This is not the first time that we are going to revitalize halls. There were long discussions to set these prices and conditions. This is what seemed fairest to us so that traders could remain in conditions, certainly more expensive, but attractive. Today, of the 21 traders: five want to stay, five are really hesitant depending on the conditions, three want to leave, five have not decided, three are waiting to find out more. Some want to live the Biltoki experience before positioning themselves. 

However, you have already started recruiting other traders…

The idea is to be fixed quickly. We have a lot of external requests: new traders. We promised to prioritize the elders. You have to be able to check them, know where you put them, to then respond to requests. The faster the better. It's important to know who we're going to look for as complementary professions. So yes, the campaign is launched, this allows everyone to prepare an application file, we receive the requests. One does not prevent the other. The more demand we have, the easier it is to complete

We can't wait. We're waiting for the before/after! 

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