Bluewater Shopping Centre has revealed its plan to fully reopen for the first time since lockdown on Monday, June 15, with a host of safety and socially distancing measures.
The Dartford centre has been closed, except for a few essential stores, since lockdown was announced in March, but the team has been busy putting into place new measures for when it does reopen.
Bluewater is now preparing to reopen to shoppers this coming Monday, in accordance with government advice, along with a host of new measures to follow.
The shopping centre says its key priority is that people are able to shop safely and stress-free, so lots of new in-centre signage has been put in place to keep shoppers socially distanced.
When Bluewater first reopens, they say they will be monitoring capacity, and each store will have limits on the number of people who can enter.
If the capacity is exceeded, then a queueing system will be introduced - hopefully not leading to scenes seen across the country of long-winding queues of people waiting to enter stores such as Ikea.
A one-way system will be put in place across the centre, with floor arrows marking the route, and card payments only are recommended
and Bluewater will impose a limit on the number of shoppers allowed into the centre.
Socially distancing champions will also be deployed to guide customers and ensure socially distancing is being followed, the shopping centre revealed.
Enhanced cleaning will be implemented, hand sanitisers will be installed and all centre staff will be provided with masks.
Toilets and lifts will also be in operation, but will be subject to social distancing.
Robert Goodman, Senior Centre Director, Bluewater said: “Safety is our highest priority.
"We’re working hard to ensure we adhere to all government guidelines at Bluewater, and will be taking a robust approach to cleanliness and hygiene.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests back and will be fully compliant with government guidance at all times.”
More information about how Bluewater will operate when it reopens on June 15 will be released during the week, along with a list of stores reopening.
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