The new rules you must follow at Meadowhall from today as more shops reopen

Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre has published six tips for anyone planning a visit when many of its shops reopen.
A tour of the newly refurbished and revamped Meadowhall. Picture: Chris EtchellsA tour of the newly refurbished and revamped Meadowhall. Picture: Chris Etchells
A tour of the newly refurbished and revamped Meadowhall. Picture: Chris Etchells

From today, all non-essential shops in England, which includes retail stores, will be allowed to reopen as part of the easing of lockdown after they were forced to shut on 23 March.

Meadowhall has stayed open throughout lockdown but only those shops and amenities deemed essential have been allowed to open.

Darren Pearce, the centre director, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Meadowhall, although we’re clearly not back to ‘business as usual’ just yet. In line with the latest government guidance, we have been working incredibly hard behind-the-scenes to put extra safety and hygiene measures in place.

“Because of this, things may look a little different when you next visit us, so please plan ahead and keep an eye out for new signage when you arrive.”

The centre has shared these tips to help customers preparing to visit in the coming weeks:

1 – Check opening times and travel arrangements before you set off

Many retailers have adapted their opening hours to support the safe return to work of their staff. You can find a list of open stores here.

2 – Try to avoid peak times

The centre is usually busiest between late morning and early afternoon, so customers are urged to consider visiting early in the morning or early evening.

3 – Use contactless payment methods wherever possible

Customers without access to contactless payment methods are encouraged to check with retailers in advance if their payment can still be accepted.

4 – Shop by yourself if you can

In line with government guidance, visitors are asked to shop alone wherever possible, and to keep household groups to a minimum if not. The centre’s indoor and outdoor children’s play facilities are closed until further notice.

5 – Consider click and collect

Many retailers are offering a click and collect service. Cafes and restaurants open at Meadowhall will offer a click and collect or delivery service only. The indoor seating space in the Oasis Dining Quarter remains closed and visitors are asked to take their food away to be enjoyed at home.

6 – Please be patient

Visitor numbers will be ‘closely managed’ to make sure everyone can keep a two-metre distance while in the centre. A spokesperson said: “If we become particularly busy, we may ask you to queue considerately in a designated area outside, and we may also temporarily close our car parks if both the centre and queuing systems reach capacity.”

Car parking arrangements will be subject to change, and anyone planning to drive to Meadowhall should check the website regularly for the most up to date information.

For the latest updates on Meadowhall’s stores, parking, facilities and services, visit: https://meadowhall.co.uk/news/planning-your-visit.

New rules to follow

The shopping centre will be open for the full set of trading hours that were in place before lockdown.

Car parks will be monitored ‘at all times’ and closed at peak times, if required, “to help regulate customer queues into the centre and overall occupancy numbers”.

The number of people allowed into the centre will also be limited, and the doors will be closed “where necessary to manage customer numbers at any given time of the day”.

A ‘keep left’ system is to be implemented throughout the shopping centre.

This system means that queues will not be permitted outside shops, as that would jeopardise people’s ability to social distance.

All stores will operate a ‘green-red indicator’ system, which will notify customers as to whether they are letting people in. If they are not, customers can pass these shops without queuing.

Floor markers and signage will be installed to encourage social distancing. These will also be in place in lifts and on escalators.

Hand sanitiser dispensers will be in place around the shopping centre.

Food retailers will remain open for takeaway only. The Oasis seating area will not open.