Shops, beauty salons, leisure facilities and eateries in the West Midlands opened their doors today as the next phase of the government’s roadmap out of the Covid Lockdown gets underway.
While things may look a little different for locals venturing out today, those who run the business will welcome customers back with open arms.
But what are the rules and where can people in the region go?
Phase two of the lockdown relaxation
The following business premises can be opened today:
– Non-essential retail
– Personal hygiene such as hairdressers and nail salons
– Leisure time in indoor areas such as fitness studios, but only for people alone or in household groups – therefore no yoga or circuit courses yet
– Outdoor attractions such as zoos, drive-in theaters, and theme parks
– Pubs and bars for drinking and / or eating outdoors only with table service and no curfew
– Independent accommodation such as campsites and holiday apartments
Latest on the lockdown roadmap
Events
– Funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners
– Weddings, receptions, and memorial events such as guards are now up to 3pm
In phase 3, which should not start before May 17th, the restrictions on who can meet where will be relaxed more. Restaurants are allowed to open indoor areas with restrictions and venues such as cinemas and hotels can be reopened.
A limited number of spectators will again be welcomed to the indoor and outdoor sports arenas.
What’s going on in the West Midlands?
The companies outlined their plans to reopen after the government confirmed last week that it could stick to the April 12 start date for the next phase of lockdown.
Here are some of the highlights from across the region.
Victoria Square and Parklets
Birmingham City Council has teamed up with the Colmore and Retail business improvement areas to create a new outdoor seating area in the heart of the business district that draws people to the restaurants.
There are 120 seats around historic Victoria Square for city workers and visitors to enjoy al fresco dining and live music. Four beach huts will open in the coming weeks to house food and beverage vendors from across the business district.
A number of so-called “parklets”, mainly covered benches and tables, were created around the business district last summer and are available.
Both the seats in Victoria Square and the parklets are free and not tied to a specific venue.
The Birmingham Post Business Awards are back for 2021 and can now be submitted here. The event will take place online only on Tuesday, June 15, and will celebrate businesses and individuals across 12 categories, including our Overall Company of the Year and a special award.
The deadline for participation in the awards ends on Monday, April 19th. Sponsorship opportunities are now also available. Please email paige.jackson@reachplc.com for more information and follow the hashtag #BPBAwards for updates on social media.
The ceremony will be hosted on our new virtual event platform, The Awards Room, which gives nominees and sponsors the opportunity to network in real time and hear from speakers.
All of your attendees will be placed together on your own table and you can invite people from outside your group to join you during the event.
Your table will also have a private chat so you can communicate with your colleagues during the awards. For more information on our business awards and events, please visit www.reachplcevents.com.
A section of Colmore Row / Waterloo Street is also becoming a no-car zone to encourage more people to visit the business district.
A full program of summer events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore BID, said: “After months of planning, we can officially announce the launch of ‘Summer in the Square’.
“For the past 12 months we have continued to consult and support businesses in our district by all means possible.
“Road closures have been on the agenda for some time, but due to work on the city’s infrastructure, many of the proposals just weren’t possible.
“Summer in the Square will provide more outdoor seating in a safe and moderate way. We know people can’t wait to get back to town, but we must do it carefully.”
A similar set of parklets and benches were installed in Mell Square and Solihull High Street in the city’s business improvement district.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
Colmore business district
Although the business district is home to many of Birmingham’s major corporations, it is also home to a thriving restaurant scene.
A variety of bars and restaurants have confirmed that they will have outdoor space for customers.
These include 200 Degrees, Damascena, Dishoom, Henman and Cooper, Java Lounge, Primitivo, Purecraft, and Wayland’s Yard.
Merry Hill
The Dudley retail center said visitors could try their fashions on in the store, with changing rooms likely to be open alongside new security measures.
Restaurants that have been offering takeaways or delivery services will continue to do so as some of their other bars and restaurants prepare to reopen dine-in facilities this spring.
The busiest times were expected to be between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm. Some retailers offer bookable slots, for example for shoe adjustments at Clarks.
There will also be a single-use system and visitors will be encouraged to wear a face mask and disinfect their hands regularly.
Bullring
As with Merry Hill, the Bullring in Birmingham will be busy today.
For bargain hunters, department store and anchor tenant Debenhams has a major clearance as the company prepares to close all of its high street stores next month after going under administration last year.