New leisure app being piloted in Sunderland gives information on social distancing, track and tracing, queues and promotional deals

The Locale has been developed for both businesses and users, providing real-time information about bars, restaurants, cafes, retail and other outlets.

Its creators believe it will now be more valuable than ever. It gives up-to-date information about social distancing, track and tracing, queues and promotional deals at venues across the city centre.

The Locale has worked with Sunderland BID to launch the app, with plans to involve other North East towns and cities, before developing a nationwide network.

Grant Thompson, founder of the company, says a number of Sunderland businesses have already signed up, including The Engine Room and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, and that more businesses will join.

The Locale, which is is currently free for both customers and businesses, has been developed over a number of years, but reworked to factor in Covid-19 issues.

Grant said: “What it allows us to do is to communicate on behalf of venues in real time so they are able to share their information.

“It will tell people when they are open, what the queues are like, how long they may have to wait and can also navigate customers towards the venues.

“It can showcase what a venue has to offer and any special information they want to share. It also gives businesses the opportunity to promote their Covid procedures so that customers will feel confident, comfortable and safe to visit.

“We’ve had a great response so far, but we are hoping to encourage more Sunderland businesses to get on board with this free product.”

Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at Sunderland BID, is very pleased The Locale is being piloted on Wearside.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for city centre businesses to be the first in the country to try an augmented reality app which can provide up to the minute information. We hope everyone will get behind it and sign up to be involved.”

The app can be downloaded from the app store or via the website at www.thelocale.info Anyone wanting to include their venue should contact [email protected]

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