Atria Watford has said it is “extremely excited” to welcome back shoppers as it confirmed that most of its retailers will open from April 12.

Watford’s indoor shopping centre has remained partially open during England’s third national lockdown, with essential retailers, Click & Collect and eateries offering takeaways only operating at the centre since January.

But from Monday, the lockdown will ease further with rules allowing non-essential stores to lift their shutters once again.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome back our shoppers and our retailers, we’ve missed them all so much,” said Vicki Costello, centre director at Atria Watford.

“The first phase of reopening will see the majority of our retailers open and then we will work towards the next phase that will see leisure and indoor dining return.”

Visitors to the centre will be required to wear a face covering in all areas and are encouraged to use the hand sanitiser stations provided.

Social distancing will be advised, and the number of shoppers permitted in the centre and in retailers will be limited.

Robust deep cleaning has continued at the centre during the lockdown and will remain one of Atria Watford’s main priorities as it welcomes back shoppers.

The centre opening hours will be:

Monday – Saturday 9-6pm

Sunday - 11-5pm