Intu has outlined new social distancing and hygiene procedures for non-essential retail store occupiers as it eyes a “gradual” reopening of its shopping centres.
The landlord said it had drawn up plans for each of its 14 shopping centres in the UK to “keep everyone who visits or works there safe” and established a task force across the business to set out “central, common principles across the portfolio”.
Plans include placing limits on the number of people and cars allowed into a centre at any one time by closing some parking bays, introducing one-way systems, floor stickers and increased staff training to enforce social distancing measures.
Centres will also have enhanced hygiene regimes, with more deep cleaning of “key areas” and “touchpoints” such as escalators, toilets and keypads. Hand sanitiser stations will be placed at all entrances and other locations throughout the centres.
Intu said frontline staff will also be offered personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks and that the new measures were being “fully communicated” to its occupiers to “help them reopen safely”.
Chief executive Mathew Roberts said: “We know we cannot do this alone and everyone who visits our centres whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the official guidelines, and the instructions and safety information provided by our teams.
“Our teams have been working incredibly hard to keep our centres clean and safe during the lockdown and we are hugely grateful to them, and we would also like to thank our brand customers and visitors for all their cooperation and patience so far.”
The government has indicated that non-essential retailers may be able to reopen stores, with social distancing measures, from June 1. An Intu spokesman did not give a date for when the landlord would look to reopen its centres.
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