Intu reveals plans for safe reopening of stores

Intu has mapped out plans for reopening non-essential stores in its properties safely as coronavirus lockdown restrictions start to be lifted. The shopping centre owner has drawn up individual plans for sites including Manchester’s Trafford Centre and the Metrocentre in Gateshead, which will see non-essential retail stores undergo a “gradual reopening”. Intu chief executive Matthew Roberts said: “Experts from across intu have formed a specialist task force which has considered everything we need to run our centres as safely as possible, with a series of central, common principles for the portfolio and individual plans for each centre.” The measures include new cleaning regimes and hand sanitation stands in all 14 of the company’s shopping centres. Measures are being taken to limit visitor numbers, including the closure of some parking spaces, and social distancing will be implemented inside the buildings via one-way systems and floor stickers. Staff will also be given protective equipment such as face masks and gloves. “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,” Roberts said. To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@egi.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @estatesgazette