Leeds Kirkgate Market has announced plans for its return with both its outdoor and indoor markets nearing normal trading.
Earlier this week, the government revealed details of when more shops can open as they assess easing of the coronavirus lockdown.
In Leeds, it means Kirkgate Market will soon be free to operate at something like normality.
The government’s announcement will see the outdoor market return on Monday, June 1 and the indoor market should be operating from Monday, June 15.
Of course, a visit to the venue will be slightly different from what it was like before the Covid-19 pandemic with safety measures being put in place.
In the interests of safety, shoppers are being asked to adhere to a two-metre social distancing gap and will be encouraged to pay with contactless payment where possible.
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council's deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said: "Throughout the lockdown Leeds Kirkgate Market has remained open for fresh food and essential produce on the indoor and outdoor market but we are excited that the full outdoor market will now be operational.
"We will be spreading the traders out across the market to allow for social distancing, so you may have to seek your regular trader out.
"We want to thank our customers, old and new, who have supported our traders and have been shopping with us as an alternative to visiting busy supermarkets.
"Leeds Kirkgate Market are looking forward to customers now being able to shop for more than just the essentials, with more businesses in the indoor market also being able to open during the week commencing June 15.
"We would also like to thank our traders who have remained open during these difficult times and to those traders who have not been able to open their businesses and have stayed home to save lives and look forward to welcoming them back as and when we are able."
Shops proposed to reopen in June 2020
The government has proposed the following businesses could return to business on June 1:
- Outdoor markets
- Car showrooms
Below are the others shops and stores earmarked to reopen from June 15:
- Food retailers
- Chemists
- Hardware/homeware stores
- Clothes shops
- Charity shops
- Betting shops and arcades
- Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
- Car dealerships
- Auction houses
- Antique stores
- Retail art galleries
- Photography studios
- Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
- Mobile phone stores
- Indoor and outdoor markets
- Craft fairs
- Similar types of retail
Prior to any reopenings, the government has already strictly encouraged businesses to act responsibly and to make sure they are on top of cleaning protocols.
For example, protective coverings would need to be put on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas.
While frequent cleaning of self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals is being advised.
What will remain closed?
Places to remain shut in June, apart from a few exceptions like takeaways or hospital canteens, would include:
- Restaurants, bars and pubs
- Cafes and canteens
- Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons
- Piercing and tattoo parlours
- Holiday accommodation including hotels, hostels, B&Bs, holiday rentals, campsites and boarding houses
- Caravan parks/sites for commercial uses
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Places of worship
- Museums and galleries
- Nightclubs
- Cinemas, theatres and concert halls
- Bingo halls, casinos and betting shops
- Spas and massage parlours
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- Skating rinks
- Indoor fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools or other indoor leisure centres
- Indoor arcades, bowling alleys, soft play centres and similar facilities
- Funfairs
- Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and outdoor swimming pools
When the above businesses and attractions do reopen it is likely to be at reduced scale and capacity. We’ll keep you posted on any easing of lockdown measures and how they will affect Leeds and Yorkshire.
