This is how the Piece Hall in Halifax is planning on reopening in July

The Grade I listed building has worked with safety experts to devise a set of protocols designed to keep visitors safe while they enjoy shopping and take away beverages.

Among the key decisions is that the Piece Hall will limit admission to 500 people at one time – easily allowing for social distancing on the 66,000 square metre site.

Some of the changes visitors will notice, include:

Visitors will access the site via one gate and exit via another gate (only two of the four gates will be open)

Visitor numbers will be counted in and out

Guides will be on site to offer advice and gently enforce social distancing and hygiene rules

A one way system will give visitors the chance to walk around and see every shop

Shops will use carefully considered density numbers to avoid crowding, in some cases this might involve appointments or a short wait for admission

The restaurants will be permitted to sell take away beverages for consumption outside the Piece Hall site.

Nicky Chance Thompson, the CEO of the Piece Hall Trust, which manages the historic site, said: “In deciding a re-opening date, we have joined a later wave of locations due to the sensitivity of the site. By taking a little longer and reopening at the start of July, we can ensure people can enjoy a safe visit and the cohort of fascinating small shops are able to be ready to serve them.

“I am confident that our measures will both ensure the safest environment possible and enable people to see more of the Piece Hall as the follow our intuitive one-way system and experience the wonderful variety of shops and attractions on offer. At 66,000 square feet, the Piece Hall site is vast; maintaining visitor numbers at 500 at any one time will give people a really interesting experience while easily maintaining two metres social distancing.”