Hammerson has announced that its flagship destinations Union Square, Aberdeen, and Silverburn, Glasgow, are expected to reopen on 13 July, in line with the latest guidance from the Scottish Government. The final date will be confirmed following the Government’s next review, which is due on 9 July. During the lockdown, both destinations’ essential stores have remained open, so that the local community can purchase key items. Most stores in the Shopping Park at Union Square, as well as New Look with street access off Civic Square, will reopen on Monday 29 June. This includes brands like Next and JD Sports. Stores at Falkirk retail park will also reopen from Monday.
Customers are encouraged to check Silverburn and Union Square’s websites for information on specific brands’ opening times before they visit. Selected restaurant brands will continue to be available for takeaway and delivery, with hospitality operators expected to reopen from 15 July. Ensuring the safety of consumers, retailers and colleagues remains Hammerson’s number one priority. The independent inspection organisation Bureau Veritas has been appointed to analyse and approve the reopening plans of all of Hammerson’s flagship destinations, including Union Square and Silverburn so that retailers and consumers can have high levels of confidence in its approach and procedures.
A range of measures to keep everyone safe have been introduced. These include:
- Introduction of one-way systems to help customers safely navigate the centre
- Clear signage throughout the destinations reminding consumers of the need to follow social distancing guidance, and to avoid shopping in large groups
- Using the centres’ communication channels including social media and digital in-mall displays to remind visitors about how to stay safe
- Enhanced cleaning processes, with a clear focus on key customer touchpoints
- Live monitoring of footfall to ensure there aren’t too many people in the centres at any one time
- Introduction of queuing outside the destinations when required to manage capacity
- Installation of fixed hand sanitiser stations throughout the destinations
- Customers will be encouraged to use contactless payment with retailers for transactions
Mark Bourgeois, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Hammerson, said: “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all of our customers, retailers and colleagues. We have considered carefully how to create an operating environment that allows the centre and brands to reopen safely. Throughout our destinations, we will display clear information for consumers on how to shop in this new environment, and we also have technology in place allowing us to monitor visitor numbers, to ensure there are never too many people in our spaces at any one time.”
