What could the 15th June mean for the Harborne high street?
With the green light being given for retail and commertial premises to open on June 15th, following stringant social distancing rules. The local highstreet which makes up a large portion of our home, Harborne, will be opening back up. But what will it look like?
The government announced last week it has given the greenlight for retail and commercial premises to be opening from as early as the 1st June. Places with the ability to keep people outside will be opening from the 1st and the others to follow on June 15th. This all being said - the changes can only go ahead IF the number of cases still remain low.
But what does this mean for the local high street?
Well - highstreets have always been busy places, ours especially. The government have placed it in the business owner's and general public's hands in order to maintain social distancing whilst enjoying these spaces:
- Perhaps many shops will install rule to limit the numbers of people in the stores at any one time.
- Generating queue systems around smaller shops which will take you around via a specific route.
- Some shops may remain closed.
- Some shops will have perished during this time and will remain closed.
Specific shops are given the green light meaning not all stores will re-open on the 15th. Pubs and other hospitality establishments are not going to open currently so no chance of a cold pulled pint. Clothing, Shoe, Toy, Furniture, Book, Electronic retailers will be able to open. So will indoor markets, photography studios and auction houses.
So no - no luck on getting that post lockdown trim just yet.
Although shops will be opening - it’s safe to say that the high street won't look "normal" for a while. With many businesses still closed until further notice. The real question we are asking is no matter what local businesses and governments are suggesting - will you brave the local high street?