Southampton's biggest shopping centre, Westquay, will open on Monday in line with Covid lockdown rules.

As well as the stores we've not visited for months throwing open their doors, cafes and restaurants with outside eating areas will also be welcoming customers again.

But there will still be rules in place for visitors to stick to to ensure everyone's safety.

When will Westquay open?

Under the Government's plan to open up after the third Covid lockdown, all non-essential shops are permitted to open from Monday April 12.

Westquay have announced they plan to open their doors the same day.

In a statement they said: "We'd like to say thanks to everyone who has kept essential stores and our food takeaway services open, along with keeping the centre clean while we’ve been in lockdown.

"Our priority remains yours and our colleagues' health. Our range of safety measures are still firmly in place to ensure we can all shop smart and shop safe. Please ensure you follow all guidelines when you visit."

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What are the guidelines?

There are a number of guidelines in place as well as hand sanitiser around the centre and enhanced cleaning measures in place.

There will also be:

  • A one-way system
  • Clear signs reminding everyone to social distance
  • Face coverings will be compulsory including in all stores

What else will be in place?

Westquay are only accepting card or contactless payments at the Pay on Foot machines in the car parks.

Will numbers of people be restricted?

The shopping centre staff will be restricting numbers of people entering the centre and stores at any one time.

This is to ensure social distancing, their website states.

If it starts to get really busy, queue systems will be introduced.

How do I know if it's really busy before I get there?

The centre have got a Crowd Checker section on their website, which allows you to see how busy the centre is in real-time.

Staff are asking customers to bear with them as it might take longer than normal to get their shopping when they visit.

What other facilities will be open?

  • Toilets
  • Lifts if needed but the centre is recomending one person or household per lift
  • Car parks
  • Shopmobility

Visit their website for more information