This is how shopping in the Bridges will look as more stores get set to reopen

The plans have been unveiled as stores which closed under the lockdown announcement from the Government begin to reopen from next Monday, June 15.

The centre has remained open throughout the COVID-19 crisis for essential retailers.

The measures include a one-way system – with directional arrows telling people the way to travel - and a queuing system outside of shops, marked with yellow footprints placed two metres apart.

Managers and security staff will closely monitor people’s behaviour and if they feel social distancing rules are not being obeyed, a “one in, one out” system will be introduced as a “last resort.”

New signs will give shoppers guidance on social distancing, while sanitisation stations have been installed at every entrance.

The centre has also increased its cleaning and housekeeping, which will see a dedicated team sanitise all areas throughout the day.

Trading times will remain unchanged, although individual retailers may amend their hours, with visitors advised to check the centre’s website or those of individual shops.

A customer services facility will be in operation while the desk on the mall remains closed, which can be reached on (0191) 515 4885 and by emailing [email protected]

What are some of the other measures?

Customer toilets and baby changing facilities will also be reopened, with a “one in, one out” system to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Hand driers will not be in use and people will be encouraged to use paper towels, with extra bins provided for their disposal.

The lifts will also be available but primarily for elderly people or anyone with a mobility problem and again social distancing rules will apply.

Seats – which were removed at the beginning of the crisis – will not be replaced until the Government advises it is safe to do so and children’s rides in the centre will also not be in use.

Both car parks – the rooftop car park and the multi-storey next to Debenhams – will be open, although not all the entrances will be available.

The glass bridge from Debenhams will be closed as will the entry to the multi-storey via level four at the store. The store itself will not be opening until Wednesday, June 17.

What has the Bridges said?

Duncan Allen, building and services director, said: “We are very pleased that we are able to fully reinstate shopping at the Bridges but with that it is very important that everyone abides by the social distancing rules.

“We have everything in place for that to happen but it’s vital that shoppers take note of the new systems and adheres to them, for the safety of both visitors and the staff.

“We know this is all very new but we would also ask that everyone behaves in a respectful manner, both to our employees and to each other.

“Even though the rules have been relaxed in terms of shops being able to re-open, it is still vitally important that everyone acts responsibly and follows the new systems in place.”

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