Revo to publish guidance on reopening shopping locations

Retail property organisation Revo is working with the government on publishing guidance for fully reopening shopping locations once lockdown measures are eased. Revo, which has been working with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Safe Working Technical Group, plans to issue its guidance next week.   Following consultation with local authorities, the organisation is also developing standalone guidelines for its members. These will align with the British Retail Consortium’s recommendations for occupiers.  The guidance will address the primary challenge of maintaining social distancing, as well as the psychological aspect for people returning to public spaces. Vivienne King, chief executive at Revo, said: “There is clear economic benefit for reopening shopping centres and retail parks in returning thousands of people to work and kick-starting consumer spending, but public health is of paramount importance and work is underway now to be absolutely clear how social distancing can be maintained and footfall managed at retail locations. “While the prime minister is taking a cautious approach to easing the lock down, prudent operators are giving serious consideration to the practicalities of moving towards full reopening, drawing on global experiences.” She added: “While an integrated approach will need to be taken in all our public places, at shopping centres and retail parks owners and occupiers can most obviously work together to actively manage movement and create safe places to be.” To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette