How Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays plans to reopen its shops after lockdown ends

After the prime minister this week confirmed lockdown will end at the start of next month and that all shops can continue to trade across all three proposed tiers, business leaders at the popular retail outlet have been getting ready for the vital reopening of doors in the run-up to Christmas.

New measures will include extended opening hours to offer more choice to guests and reduce capacity, live occupancy monitoring using technology that will restrict access if capacity has been reached and a covered space for queuing at entrances in case of adverse weather.

The premises will also operate a one way system with clear markers to indicate social distancing and hand sanitisers positioned throughout the site.

All staff have been provided with masks and an enhanced cleaning system put in place. The retail outlet will also communicate a traffic light system via social media to allow shoppers to identify quieter times to shop.

SEE ALSO: Here are the stores that remain open during lockdown at Ocean Retail Park in Portsmouth

Colin Wilding, senior centre director at Gunwharf Quays, said: ‘As always, safety is our highest priority. We’re working hard to ensure we adhere to all government guidelines at Gunwharf Quays and continue to take a robust approach to cleanliness and hygiene.

‘As well as the thorough cleaning of the centre we have floor stickers and signs in place to remind guests to keep the required distance apart, are providing hand sanitiser for guests and staff to use at a number of points throughout the centre and our centre staff are available to help manage queuing.

‘While Christmas shopping will certainly be different this year, we want shopping to feel as safe and as enjoyable as possible.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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