London’s West End starts preparing to re-open

New West End Company has revealed its plans for how the shopping district will safely re-open after the lockdown.

The published recommendations detail best practice guidelines for the safe operation of businesses, including advice on personal hygiene, protective uniforms and equipment, as well as safe commuting. Meanwhile, retailers have been advised to keep discounts and sale prices online-only to avoid long ques and crowding.

New West End Company firm is also working with Transport for London and Westminster City Council to manage foot traffic, as 150,000 people prepare to return to work in the area. The plans indicate that markings will be made on footpaths across Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street to help maintain social distancing, and visitor numbers in stores will also be controlled with marked waiting areas to the left of entranceways.

CEO of New West End Company, Jace Tyrrell, said: “Our priority is a safe re-opening of the West End, and we continue to work collaboratively with West End businesses and local authorities to put in place clear operational and logistical plans to get back to work safely… Having acted early to protect public health, it is right that we set an example for the nation’s high streets in helping communities rebuild confidence in spending time together outside.”

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