Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has unveiled plans to reopen both its London shopping centres once the government gives the go ahead.

The group has revealed that it intends to implement safety measures such as monitoring visitor numbers via footfall cameras, using floor stickers and screens to prompt social distancing and introducing cashless car parks.

The group also confirmed that it would like to receive additional retailer rent support and an extension of the business rates holiday for vacant units, arguing that rates relief should be applied to units that were vacant before the crisis as well as those that will not reopen.

Regional managing director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK & Italy, Scott Parsons, said: “Managing the health and safety element of reopening Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City is our biggest priority right now and I can confidently say that our robust plans not only meet all requirements outlined in the government guidelines but go above and beyond… As well as heightened hygiene measures across every touchpoint, we have technology to monitor footfall and flows and ensure social distancing is practiced as well as the benefit of onsite security.”

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.

Photo copyright Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 2.0