Our local shopping centre, centre:mk, is welcoming back shoppers from Monday (15/6) and has launched the 'play your part' initiative to keep people safe.
Over a number of weeks, centre:mk has been planning its phased re-opening while working closely with its 190 retailers to put a health and wellbeing protocol in place which reminds shoppers to 'play your part'.
The 'play your part' guidance focuses on more than just social distancing and ensures that customers can return with confidence.
One-way system
A one-way, keep left system will be in operation, with clear markers on the floor indicating which way to walk.
Capacity will be monitored in the centre itself
The capacity of shoppers will be actively monitored by centre:mk staff throughout the day.
Stores will limit the amount of shoppers
Each store will individually monitor and limit the number of customers allowed in at one time to ensure social distancing can be followed. Stores may need to ask customers to wait to enter - there are clearly marked waiting areas either directly outside the store or in the central reservation area.
Entry and exit doors
There are 18 sets of doors in centre:mk which will be held open and marked for either entry or exit.
Toilet and guest services will be open
Toilets and Guest Services will be open, but customers are being asked to check centremk.com for full details of the guest services available, how to book mobility scooters and for regular updates. If travelling by car, visitors should park as close to the shops they want to visit as they can, using both the surface level and multi-storey car parks.
Store opening hours may vary
centre:mk is advising that although they are open from 9am - 8pm every day, store opening times may vary. The website, centremk.com, will update on individual store hours, while social channels will be announcing store openings.
Check out how centre:mk will be ensuring staff and shoppers stay safe in our picture gallery below:
- Shoppers may be asked to queue outside stores
- There are also designated queueing areas inbetween the aisles
- Doors will remain open and will be marked either for entry or exit
- Clear one-way floor markings
- Stores will limit the number of customers allowed in
- Social distancing rules will be followed
- There are posters throughout the centre:mk
- Clear guidance on how to 'play your part'
- Contact will be limited
- Some areas will remain closed
- Shoppers queuing will keep apart
- Some shops will reserve doors for entrances and exits
- 'Thank you'
Kevin Duffy, Centre Director, said: "As a community we have come a long way, thanks to the hard work of all the wonderful key workers, retail staff and centre team who are also our friends and family. It's important that we respect and protect all of their hard work by observing this guidance and we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.”
