THE ORACLE has announced that it will officially reopen on June 15, in line with the latest guidance from the government.

During lockdown, the centre’s essential stores have remained open so that the local community can purchase key items.

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Customers are encouraged to check The Oracle’s website for information on specific brands’ opening times before they visit.

Selected restaurant brands 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.

The Oracle staff have said that ensuring the safety of consumers, retailers and colleagues remains the centre's number one priority.

The independent inspection organisation Bureau Veritas has been appointed to analyse and approve the reopening plans of all of Hammerson’s flagship destinations, including The Oracle, so that retailers and consumers can have high levels of confidence in its approach and procedures.

A range of measures to keep people safe have been introduced, including: introduction of one-way system to help customers safely navigate the centre; clear signage throughout the destination reminding consumers of the need to follow social distancing guidance; 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 and live monitoring of footfall to ensure there aren’t too many people in the centre at any one time.

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Queuing outside the destination will also be introduced to manage capacity, as well as the installation of fixed hand sanitiser stations throughout.

All customer-facing centre colleagues will wear protective clothing and customers will be encouraged to use contactless payment with retailers for transactions.

while car parks will be open, customers are advised to check The Oracle’s website before they visit if they wish to use the destination’s services, as some may not be available.

Andy Briggs, general manager at The Oracle, 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 The Oracle, we’re working really hard to make sure we can re-open on 15 June, 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.”