Shoppers’ safety is priority as Queensgate bosses prepare for reopening

Centre bosses have details of their strategy to keep shoppers safe when current lockdown restrictions are lifted in April.

According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Roadmap to Recovery, which was unveiled on February 22, non-essential retailers will be allowed to open again no earlier than April 17.

Alongside regular cleansing throughout each day, social distancing will be encouraged with an array of signage and shoppers numbers will be constantly monitored.

The wearing of masks, which is mandatory in all shopping centres and stores in England, will be enforced in Queensgate.

Mark Broadhead, director of the 39-year-old shopping centre, said: “The government’s roadmap announcement is a positive step forward for reopenings.

“We will continue to provide a safe environment that will ensure people feel confident when visiting.

“Safety is our priority.

“The centre will continue to be deep cleaned daily and throughout the day, hand sanitisers will be in place for use and we will support social distancing by monitoring and limiting the number of people in the centre at key busy periods.

Mr Broadhead added: “I want every single person that enters Queensgate to feel safe and to know they are entering a clean and sanitised environment.

“I also want people to enjoy their experience and bring back the fun and excitement of shopping and leisure that we have all missed.”

He said that further plans for reopening will be announced closer to the confirmed opening date.

Following the lifting of restrictions at the end of the first national lockdown last summer, Queensgate invested in the installation of about 3,000 pieces of signage and floor markers, including two-metre markers, in the mall and its non-public areas, throughout Westgate Arcade as well as in the bus station and car parks.

A ‘keep left’ system with cross over areas is clearly outlined in the mall to ensure shoppers have plenty of space in the centre.

Social distance signs have also been placed on escalators and in lifts.

Hand sanitisers have been sited at all entry and exit points and at some touch points throughout the centre.

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