Implementing a phased approach, LabTech anticipates that 80% of its F&B traders will participate in the initial reopening of the market next week. Retail traders, however, will have to wait until 15 June before reopening, in line with Government orders.
LabTech says it will be fully supporting its tenants as they return to their businesses, and has extended the rent-free period for all traders, which was introduced in March.
A series of measures will be put in place to keep staff and customers safe, and help ensure social distancing is maintained.
They include a strict ‘one-way’ system enforced across the market site; the installation of queuing spots outside shops, and directional wayfinding arrows; and the availability of maps outlining the correct flow of traffic.
Public hand sanitiser stations will also be positioned throughout the market, including at entrances and exits.
LabTech insists that all traders adhere to the Government's social distancing recommendations in their individual units, including limiting the number of customers entering at any one time; maintaining a strict cleaning regime; and accepting card payments only, where possible.
“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," says LabTech CEO Yaron Shahar.
“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.”