Extended opening hours for Falkirk's Howgate centre

With restrictions continuing to ease as we start to come out of lockdown, The Howgate Shopping Centre is extending its trading hours from today (Wednesday).

Although more retailers are permitted to open across Scotland from this week, it is only those with access from the street that can trade for now so the majority of stores within the Falkirk shopping centre remain closed for now.

However, those retailers in the centre which are deemed essential under the Scottish Government’s guidance remain open, along with those that have an external access from the street.

The only stores trading are the Post Office, Sutherlands Fruit & Veg stall, Superdrug, Poundland, EE, Ramsdens, Wilko and Boots.

Only the High Street and Pleasance auto doors will be open and the centre’s car park remains closed.

The new trading hours for the Howgate are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 4pm.

The centre is closed on a Sunday.

The latest changes to the temporary opening hours, introduced during the Covid-19 outbreak come as preparations are being made for the centre to reopen to non-essential traders later this month.

It is hoped that the centre will be able to open fully on July 13, with hairdressers and salons expected to reopen on July 15, however that depends on the go ahead being given by the Scottish Government.

Shoppers will find new safety measures in place when it does reopen to protect both visitors and staff, including a one way system.

A spokesman for the centre said: “Only essential stores are permitted to trade so please check the website for an up to date list before planning your visit.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon.

“Thank you for being so patient.

“Please observe social distancing guidelines and use the markers on the floor in queuing areas.

“We still only have a small number of staff on site to keep the centre as clean, safe and secure as possible.”