TWO Bradford shopping centres are gearing up for the national lockdown with special precautions to allow esssential shops to remain open.

Retailers across Bradford have been busy with brisk trade today, all while getting things in place for four weeks of lockdown.

"We've been mega-busy," said Catherine Riley, centre manager at Kirkgate Shopping Centre. "We've had queues outisde several retailers just to keep everybody safe." 

Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, Bradford, said: “We’ve experienced a small increase in footfall this week in comparison to last week.

"There are however, protocols in place to ensure our reduced capacity limit is not exceeded to impact social distancing in the centre. Our out-of-centre queuing system has been set up since early June and will be implemented if and when required.

“The safety of our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve remains our priority and following the Government announcement of the new national restrictions, only essential retailers within The Broadway, Bradford will be open from Thursday until Wednesday, December 2.

“Also remaining open will be retailers offering click and collect services and takeaway food options. The centre car parking facilities will also remain open during this duration. All Covid-secure measures will stay in place for the safety of staff and customers."

Mrs Riley said: "The Government have clarified their guidance, and so Kirkgate will have nine retailers and one with a click and collect service open during this lockdown, compared to only three retailers in the first lockdown."

"We will be altering the layout of our centre and only two entrances, Westgate and Godwin Street, the car park, lifts, escalators and toilets will be open.

"Then when come back after lockdown, the shops in the centre will be open from 8am to 8pm.

"We need to hit the ground running because we expect demand to be exceptional."

Mr Ward added: “We’d like to thank all our customers for playing their part in shopping safely with us during the months since the first national lockdown.

"During the duration of the new national restrictions, we again ask for cooperation by carefully following all the rules and advice to ensure the safety of fellow shoppers and staff who are continuing to work within the centre.

“We will continue to closely monitor the rapidly evolving situation of Covid-19 and will ensure we are adhering to all Government guidance."

For a list of essential retailers, click and collect services and food takeaways that will be open at Broadway and Kirkgate please visit, their respecitve websites, broadwaybradford.com and kirkgate.co.uk.