Hull city centre businesses and organisations are working together to create safe spaces for visitors and customers.

High street shops, department stores and shopping centres are set to be allowed to reopen on Monday 15 June as part of the Government's three-stage plan to ease lockdown measures.

In anticipation of this, and also to support the essential businesses and retailers that have been allowed to operate during lockdown, Hull City Council has been working with partners to promote social distancing measures and encourage visitors, customers and workers to follow public health advice.

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “Ensuring we do everything we can to keep our public spaces and businesses safe has been a collective effort.

“Since the very beginning of the pandemic, officers at the council have been working with partners and businesses to ensure that we can provide the support that is needed both during lockdown, but also as measures are eased.

“Together we have been determined to provide the best platform possible for businesses to reopen responsibly, without compromising on public safety.”

Social distancing messaging is visible in public spaces throughout the city centre, on advertising boards, pavements, car parks and benches.

Businesses have been supplied with a tool kit that includes stickers and posters asking customers to remain at safe distance from each other, as well as encouraging them to use contactless payment, listen to staff and queue responsibly.

Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID executive director, said: “The measures taken to promote social distancing and assist the public will undoubtedly serve city centre businesses well. 

“Customers will wish to see both the council and business owners acting responsibly and that is why much effort has gone into providing visible reassurance that the city is a safe and welcoming place. 

“Hull will be open for business very soon and things will be done a little differently, but it is important that everyone continues supporting city centre businesses.”

Shopping centres and arcades have also introduced added safety measures and guidance for visitors: 

Paragon Arcade

Monday to Sunday 7am-6pm

Paragon Arcade is home to various independent retailers. Some of the food and drink operators have already opened, serving takeaway options. All other retail stores are set to reopen on 15 June.

Georgia Allenby, manager at Allenby Commercial (landlord of Paragon Arcade), said: “Independent business owners are the most innovative, so it’s no surprise that the business owners within Paragon Arcade have used their creativity to ensure an equally enjoyable and safe experience during Covid-19.

“Expect impressive window displays, all shops accepting contactless payment, contactless hand sanitising stations, shop doors wedged open, and outdoor seating at least two metres apart.”

For more information visit www.paragonarcade.co.uk or follow the arcade on Twitter: @Paragon_Arcade, Instagram: @paragon_arcade_hull and Facebook: Paragon Arcade

 

Princes Quay Shopping Centre

Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm

Public toilets will remain closed. Baby changing and disabled access facilities are open on level 3 for customers who regularly use them.

The car park has remained opened throughout the lockdown and customers can access the shopping centre from level 2 and 3 of the car park. The pay machines will not be accepting cash, payment is by card only.

John Magee, centre manager said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back visitors to the centre. We have installed social distancing signage to remind customers of the government guidance surrounding Covid-19 and prior to travelling we strongly recommend checking the list of specific stores trading and opening times on our website at princesquay.com.

“During the coming weeks stores will continue to reopen and all updates will be via our website.”

For more information visit www.princesquay.com or follow on Twitter: @PrincesQuayHull, Instagram: @princesquayhull and Facebook: Princes Quay Shopping Centre

 

Prospect Centre

Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm

Prospect Centre has remained partially open throughout the lockdown period to support essential retailers, but as the lockdown is set to be eased and the centre is preparing to welcome shoppers back, there will be changes such as a one-way system around the centre.

Hand sanitising stations are available for use when visiting the centre, these are available at each main entrance. Public toilets will remain closed. Prospect Centre’s car park will reopen from 15 June, normal tariffs apply.

Maria Kamper, centre manager said “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Prospect Centre. Our priority as we start to come out of the lockdown is to keep people safe, nothing is more important to us as a centre. Our centre teams have completed enhanced training to ensure Prospect Centre is a clean, safe environment, always.

“Our staff have been working incredibly hard to keep the centre clean and safe during the lockdown period, for which we are hugely grateful.”

For more information visit www.prospectshoppingcentre.co.uk or follow on Twitter: @ProspectCentre, Instagram: @prospectshoppingcentre and Facebook: Prospect Shopping Centre

 

Trinity Market

Monday to Friday 9am-3pm

Trinity Market in Hull’s Old Town has been open throughout the lockdown to allow essential traders to operate. More traders are returning to the market so extra measures such as a one-way system and hand sanitisers have been introduced.

Lucy Lines, Trinity Market manager, said: “These are undoubtedly difficult and challenging times but it was important to us that, for those traders that are allowed to operate and want to operate, we could assure them that measures would be in place to keep them and their customers safe.

“Over the coming weeks and months, and in accordance with changes to government guidance, we will constantly monitor the market to ensure that it is run in a safe and responsible way.”

For more information follow on Twitter: @TrinityMarket1, Instagram: @TrinityMarketHull and Facebook: Trinity Market Hull