// Hammerson to reopen flagships from mid-June
// The property giant has introduced a range of protective measures
// Liverpool One also prepares to reopen from June 15
Hammerson has announced its flagship destinations in England will reopen from June 15, in line with the latest guidance from the UK government.
This follows the reopening of four destinations in France last month.
Across the premium outlets portfolio, nine of the 11 VIA Outlets schemes are trading, with the first of those reopening back in April.
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Three of the VIA Outlets schemes have remained open throughout.
Five of the nine European Value Retail Villages are currently trading, with designer outlet Bicester Village expected to reopen on June 15.
Meanwhile, seven of Hammerson’s eight retail parks have remained open during the lockdown period.
Hammerson said it has been in regular contact with all the brands in its centres to ensure both that they are updating their processes.
The shopping centre owner aims to prioritise the safety of consumers, retailers and colleagues.
Inspection organisation Bureau Veritas has been appointed to analyse and approve the reopening plans of all of Hammerson’s flagship destinations.
Moreover, Hammerson has introduced a range of measures to keep customers safe, such as a one way systems where required, clear signage to remind consumers of the need to follow social distancing guidance, enhanced cleaning processes, live monitoring of footfall and installation of fixed hand sanitiser stations.
“It has been a really challenging time for everyone, and we are hugely grateful to the key workers and our centre colleagues that have done so much for us over the past few months,” Hammerson managing director UK and Ireland Mark Bourgeois said.
“We have developed a comprehensive set of measures to keep people safe and we have technology in place to allow us to monitor visitor numbers, to ensure there are never too many people in our spaces at any one time.
“What is clear from our re-opening experience in France and across the premium outlets portfolio is that consumers are adjusting to how to shop in this new environment.
“Sales levels at these destinations have been encouraging to date, although it is still very early days. We are looking forward to reopening and welcoming back our customers in the coming months.”
Separately, Liverpool One shopping centre has set out some of the safety measures it will take to protect visitors and staff in an effort to reopen from June 15.
Additional hand sanitiser stations will be positioned across the estate and all staff will have face masks and gloves.
The toilet facilities will be open with no charge and will have additional cleaning measures in place.
Liverpool One said individual retailers are likely to restrict the numbers allowed in stores at any one time.
Revised opening hours will be put in place between Monday and Saturday, allowing staff to avoid peak travel times.
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