Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal set to reopen with social distancing measures in place

One of Edinburgh’s biggest shopping centres has announced its stores will be reopening from Monday, July 13, as Nicola Sturgeon gives indoor retail the go ahead to resume service.

Businesses in Ocean Terminal were forced to close in March as the country went into lockdown to help the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

But following the first minister’s briefing on Thursday this week, all indoor retail has been given permission to welcome back shoppers.

A total of 33 shops and food outlets will be lifting their shutters from Monday, with others due to resume service in the coming weeks, depending on government guidelines.

"It honestly feels like everyone is coming home for Christmas,” said Michelle McLeod, Ocean Terminal’s manager.

"We are really looking forward to having customers coming back, but also all the staff who have been off for the last three to four months.”

Hand sanitiser stations and one way systems are in place at the waterfront shopping centre to help customers enjoy the venue in a safe way.

Toilets will reopen on the ground floor with new cleaning operations in place and appropriate markers are dotted about the centre to remind shoppers of social distancing.

"We have been liaising closely with all our stores, cafes, restaurants and attractions and we’re confident that all our customers will receive a warm and safe welcome back,” Ms McLeod added.

"It is certainly good to feel that some normality is returning, and we have worked hard to ensure the reopening is done in the right way to protect our community.”

Customer service “ambassadors” will be available in the 420,000 sq ft shopping centre to help guide shoppers through the newly designed layout and to assist with vulnerable customers.

The centre’s hairdresser Charlie Miller will reopen on July 15 and will be operating a 12-hour day to accommodate all clients and will have a variety of measures in place to ensure the safety of both the client and stylist.

The Royal Yacht Britannia will be open to visitors on July 27 with an online booking system and the centre’s leisure facilities including Pure Gym, the Farmer’s Market and the car boot sale, which takes places in the red car park, will all resume in the next few weeks inline with government guidelines.

Some essential retail outlets in the centre have remained open throughout lockdown including Boots, Holland & Barrett and Bike Craft, while food outlets including Nando’s and Greggs have reopened for takeaway.

Ocean Terminal was recently acquired by ICG Real Estate and its Scottish partner Ambassador Group, who have pledged to invest £10m in upgrades and developments at the centre.

The new plans include providing more residential, office and amenity space.