The Piece Hall Trust innovates lockdown shopping with a new click and collect service

The scheme will allow the historic building’s tenant community to continue trading during the important traditional Christmas retail period.

The Piece Hall – the world’s last remaining Grade 1 Listed Georgian cloth hall - will shortly launch the innovative shopping solution to encourage people to buy local for their Christmas gifts.

Goods ordered online will be collected in a socially distanced and safe manner from a designated collection point within The Piece Hall courtyard.

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Trust said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit from our brilliant tenants as a response to our idea. We’ve worked closely with them, and our technology partners, to put in place a fast track solution to help keep The Piece Hall shopping experience ‘open’ and provide income for the shops that are based here.

"Christmas is a really important time for retailers, and we also wanted to be open in a safe way for the communities we serve.

"Customers can virtually browse their favourite shops and come to collect their shopping or simply use our space to relax and unwind in a safe, outdoor setting.”

To offer the service, the building will remain partly open from Thursday to Sunday between 10am and 2-pm.

Customers will also be able to enjoy a stroll around the Courtyard during these opening times and The Piece Hall Deli, will serve takeaway non-alcoholic drinks and food.

Sustainable food retail outlet ‘Just Gaia’ will also remain open to customers as an essential shop.