London’s West End Businesses have received the district preparation plans for a phased, safe and sustainable reopening of the world’s top shopping and leisure destination. The guidelines, designed to complement the latest government advice, have been assembled by New West End Company and reflect input from hundreds of UK and overseas organisations and prioritise the safety for those living and working in and around the district.
Jace Tyrrell, CEO of New West End Company 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.”
As the West End’s 600 businesses prepare for a phased return of the district’s 150,000 workers, New West End Company is working closely with Transport for London and Westminster City Council to effectively manage foot traffic. Footpaths across Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street will be provided with clear markings to help visitors observe social distancing, while store visitor numbers will be closely managed with clearly marked waiting areas to the left of retailer entrances to avoid long-queues.
As business operating restrictions lift, retailers have been advised to respect responsible promotional strategies, with discounting and sales kept online to avoid long queues and crowding. Restrictions on air travel are expected to see reduced numbers of international visitors, while London’s workers and residents are encouraged to walk or cycle to rediscover the district, with the planned provision of additional bicycle parking and dedicated walking routes from key London hubs.
Meave Wall, Stores Director at Selfridges said: “We are really encouraged by the reaction of local residents and the community to the re-opening of our Foodhall, and the dedication of our team in keeping our customers safe with new social distancing measures in place. Today’s guidelines provide helpful clarity for colleagues and customers as we continue to adapt our services to maintain public safety. Collectively adopting a consistent approach across the West End will help us all adopt the habits to keep each other safe over the coming months.”
The West End Reopening recommendations set out clear best practice guidelines for employers to follow in keeping their teams safe in the workplace. They outline personal hygiene and protective uniform best practice, as well as the safest ways to travel to and from work. With new rules in place around the acceptance of payments, the guidance offers clear advice on the regular cleaning of high traffic surfaces.
New West End Company member businesses include many of the world’s top retail and leisure brands, as well as hotel and property owners. With numerous green parks and open spaces all within short walking distance Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, New West End Company is seeking to work with wellbeing charities to help businesses work together to share spaces and provide quiet, less crowded spaces in which colleagues can take their breaks and lunch hours.
