Meadowhall reveals new rules all customers must follow when shops reopen next month

British Land, which owns the Meadowhall site, has this week been in touch with all the shops that could potentially reopen, should the Government go ahead with plans to allow non-essential retailers to start trading again at the beginning of next month.

A worker at the shopping centre, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shown the plans to The Star, giving an insight into what shopping might be like in the near future.

The notice to staff, from the Meadowhall Retail Team, says that they are preparing for the reopening, however “awaiting further government advice” on “restrictions such as size, category and location.”

“The number one aim is to promote Meadowhall as a safe place to visit and reassure customers that we have taken all possible steps to implement all Government guidance measures,” it adds.

The rules that are expected to be in place at Meadowhall from June 15 are then outlined.

The shopping centre will be open for the full set of trading hours that were in place before lockdown.

Car parks will be monitored ‘at all times’ and closed at peak times, if required, “to help regulate customer queues into the centre and overall occupancy numbers”.

The number of people allowed into the centre will also be limited, and the doors will be closed “where necessary to manage customer numbers at any given time of the day”.

A ‘keep left’ system is to be implemented throughout the shopping centre.

This system means that queues will not be permitted outside shops, as that would jeopardise people’s ability to social distance.

All stores will operate a ‘green-red indicator’ system, which will notify customers as to whether they are letting people in. If they are not, customers can pass these shops without queuing.

Floor markers and signage will be installed to encourage social distancing. These will also be in place in lifts and on escalators.

Hand sanitiser dispensers will be in place around the shopping centre.

Food retailers will remain open for takeaway only. The Oasis seating area will not open.