With restrictions soon to be eased, like all cities, we are turning our attention to the reopening of our city centre as we look to welcome people back in a safe and sustainable manner.
This will be a time when we must work together to employ social distancing measures which could continue for several weeks, if not months. We must create an environment that is safe and welcoming, and which all visitors feel able to use confidently, whilst respecting specific measures that have been described as the “new norm”.
The team at Sheffield BID has been working closely with Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Police and other partners to input into the reopening. Together, we have created a logistical plan to ensure that Sheffield city centre can operate safely and securely in the immediate future.
Adapting the public realm
It will be necessary to adapt the public realm to support social distancing measures. Our city will look and feel very different for a time. On key routes, social distancing pavement graphics have been installed by Sheffield City Council. Some pavements have been widened to accommodate social distancing. There will also be an element of road closures in the initial days of the reopening phase. We will ensure affected businesses are kept updated around the details of this.
The plan to reopen the city centre will focus on three areas:
- Social distancing measures
- Hygiene and protective measures; and
- Reassurance and the restoration of consumer confidence.
As the lockdown restrictions are eased further and footfall tentatively increases, the need to create an environment in which we can move freely and safely is a priority.
We have all already seen several social distancing measures in action, which range from floor stickers, queuing systems and hygiene practices employed by those businesses that have traded throughout the lockdown. Considerations must also be made to decluttering our city centre, removing any barriers that prevent free movement from one point to another.
Much of the planning is already in progress with Sheffield City Council and we are working through what measures need to be taken to ensure the city centre operates safely.
What to expect
Social distancing
- Highly visible signage on the floor at key points throughout the city centre and on seating with the message ‘Be Smart, Stay Apart’
- Signage that clearly marks out queuing points in key retail areas
- Signage and demarcation that clearly identifies ‘no queue’ zones to allow people to pass safely to comply with social distancing. (Consultation on equality of access is being undertaken.)
- Temporary road closures.
- The widening of some footpaths.
- Existing and new cycling and pedestrian routes will be promoted.
Hygiene and protection
The Council will install hand sanitiser stations in high footfall areas, undertake a regular deep clean of public areas including sanitising bins and seating, and maintain a high standard of cleansing for general litter.
Sheffield BID’s Street Rangers will continue to support businesses with additional cleaning in areas affected by graffiti, rough sleeper detritus, sharps and other hazardous waste. Our team will be flexible to adapt to the needs of businesses as we understand more about your additional priorities over the coming weeks. Our Street Rangers are a resource for BID levy payers so please help us guide their deployment on tasks that will directly benefit your business.
Reassurance
There will be an increase in City Centre Ambassador and South Yorkshire Police patrols to provide advice and reassurance alongside the proactive use of CCTV and partnership working to address spikes in street culture.
Transport, routes, infrastructure and capacity
Managing the flow of people into and out of the city centre through the various modes of transport is a big challenge.
At present, the advice from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and British Transport Police is not to use public transport unless there is no alternative. For now, those that work and visit the city centre should still consider walking, cycling or using a car where possible.
Bus, tram and train services are operational, but timetables remain at reduced frequency and capacity on vehicles is significantly limited due to social distancing.
Timing
Time is of the essence to complete the plans and make the necessary changes to get the city centre functioning once other types of business receive Government confirmation to reopen. All partners, led by Sheffield City Council, are focused on making sure that our community is ready and that the necessary infrastructure changes work effectively. It is expected there will be teething problems but in response we are equipped to deal with them quickly and efficiently. Not only are teams involved skilled and experienced, they are 100% committed to making the much-needed changes to make sure Sheffield city centre can get back to business.
Communication and business support
This is understandably a tough time for everyone. We will keep you updated regularly as details around reopening plans emerge. We are here to help city centre businesses so please do let us know how we can best support you in these challenging times.
If your business would like to discuss non-clinical PPE requirements and the best approach to procuring it, please get in touch.
Download our summary of the guidance for businesses reopening from 15 June.
Thank you for your continued support.
Stay safe.
Diane Jarvis
Sheffield BID Manager
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