LabTech has revealed its detailed plans to reopen Camden Market on June 1 following the Government’s latest announcement on the easing of the lockdown.
Implementing a phased approach, LabTech will be fully supporting its tenants as they return their businesses back to the new reality. This includes an extension of the rent-free period for all traders LabTech introduced three months ago.
As one of the capital’s leading landlords, LabTech will be among the first to re-open its estate and is anticipating up to 80% of F&B traders will be participating. From 15 June its retail traders will also start to re-open. Measures being introduced by LabTech include:
• A strict ‘one-way’ system enforced across the market site
• Installation of floor markers that display good social distancing
• Queuing spots outside shops and directional wayfinding arrows
• Maps outlining the correct flow of traffic will also be available at hand-sanitiser stations and strategic crossroads around the Market
• Public hand sanitiser stations positioned throughout the market
Alongside the measures, the open-air nature of Camden Market and the abundant exterior space for socially distanced seating and tables will increase the sense of safety in the iconic London landmark. Public hand-sanitising stations will also be available at key points throughout the Market, such as entrances and hot spots as well as their facilities remaining free and open to the public.
For the foreseeable future, traders will also be expected to adhere to factors in line with Government recommendations, including limiting the number of customers entering at any one time, maintaining a strict cleaning regime, and accepting card payments only, where possible. The recommendations will be upheld and supported by the management team.
Yaron Shahar, LabTech’s CEO, said, “We have three priorities as we prepare to re-open: doing so safely and responsibly for visitors, traders and the wider community; supporting traders as comprehensively as possible as they re-start their businesses; and learning from this first phase as we plan to open Buck Street and other areas of the estate.
“Our comprehensive range of measures has been devised to ensure we can achieve these objectives and we will continue to support our local businesses through these unprecedented times as we move out of lockdown. The market has thrived for 45 years and we are confident it will continue to be the heart of North London for many years to come.”
The announcement follows LabTech’s recent launch of a series of initiatives to aid the emergency services and vulnerable during the coronavirus epidemic, including complimentary STAY apartments for NHS workers and their families.
While timings are to be confirmed, LabTech’s Buck Street Market is likely to follow the phased reopening approach in the coming weeks. Camden Market will also introduce a ‘Socially Distanced Summer ’ campaign with a series of free events for the public to participate in – all at a socially acceptable distance. More details to be found on their website.