Retailers get ready to reopen at the Bridges

The Bridges Shopping Centre will welcome back visitors on Monday as non-essential retailers reopen for the first time since January.

While the shopping centre has been open throughout lockdown for essential shopping, many of its high street retailers were forced to close in early January in line with Government lockdown rules.

As it is confirmed restrictions will ease, popular brands including Primark, H&M, Lush, The Fragrance Shop, Footasylum, Next, Hotel Chocolat and Waterstones will open their doors for the first time in months.

A one-way system inside the Bridges will be in place along with enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser stations.

Masks must be worn throughout the centre.

The centre will open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.

Visitors will again be able to make the most of late-night shopping on Thursday evenings when the Bridges will stay open until 8pm, with free parking from 5.30pm.

Centre Director, Karen Eve, said: “It’s great news that many of our centre retailers can reopen next week and it is hopefully a sign that we are one step closer to getting back to normal.

“The safety of our staff and customers is a top priority at the Bridges and we’ve taken extra steps, such as increased cleaning, to help shoppers feel comfortable during their visit.

“We are lucky to have a diverse range of retailers in the centre, selling everything from clothes to homeware and books to skincare, so we hope Sunderland shoppers will support them in the coming weeks.”