Bullring and Grand Central back to full opening on June 15

Birmingham city centre's Bullring and Grand Central has announced that it will officially re-open on 15 June, in line with the latest guidance from the Government.

During lockdown, essential stores have remained open, so that the local community could purchase key items.

Customers are encouraged to check Bullring and Grand Central’s website for information on specific brands’ opening times before they visit.

Some restaurants will continue to be available for takeaway and delivery, with further guidance expected from the Government in the coming weeks on when these venues can reopen for dine-in customers and when leisure operators can reopen.

Ensuring the safety of consumers, retailers and colleagues remains Bullring and Grand Central’s number one priority.

The independent inspection organisation Bureau Veritas has been appointed to analyse and approve the reopening plans of all of owner Hammerson’s flagship destinations, including Bullring and Grand Central, 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: a one-way system to help customers safely navigate the centre; clear signage throughout the destination reminding consumers of the need to follow social distancing guidanceand to avoid shopping in large groups; using the centre’s communication channels including social media, digital in-mall displays and tannoy announcements to remind visitors about how to stay safe; enhanced cleaning processes, with a clear focus on key customer touch points; live monitoring of footfall to ensure there are not too many people in the centres at any one time; introduction of queuing outside the centres when required to manage capacity;installation of fixed hand sanitiser stations; all customer-facing centre staff wearing protective clothing and customers being encouraged to use contactless payment with retailers for transactions.

While the destination’s Moor Street and Centre Car Parks will be open, customers are advised to check Bullring and Grand Central’s website before they visit if they wish to use the Edgbaston Street car park. Customers are also advised to check the website if they wish to use the destination’s services, as some may not be available.

Stephanie Lacey, general manager at Bullring and Grand Central, said: “It has been a really challenging time for everyone, and we are hugely grateful to the key workers that have done so much over the past few months. At Bullring and Grand Central, we’re working really hard to make sure we can re-open on June 15 and that we can do so safely. We ask that people be patient with us though, as the way we shop is going to be different for a while, and visits might take longer than usual. We can’t wait to re-open, and to welcome back our customers.”

Mark Bourgeois, managing director UK and 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.”