WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) voted Friday morning to approve a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find a tenant for the vacant cafe space at Union Station.

The City of Worcester expects to open the RFP next week and close it sometime in mid-October.

The 98-square feet space is on the first floor of the station and is being leased for $300 per month. The tenant is responsible for all utitlies expect for water and sewer. Parking isn't included.

The lease is a three-year term with a pair of two-year mutual agreement extensions. The Cafe may only operate during station hours.

Potential tenants must have evidence of financial capability, a list of references, a detailed business plan and three years of experience in what they’re proposing to operate at the space.

The cafe's previous tenant closed shop in December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amanda Cornwall, of the city's economic development office, said a couple parties have already expressed interest and they hope to have property go fast.