Following the government’s recent easing of lockdown rules, Manchester’s cultural hub HOME has revealed a tentative reopening date of September 4 2020. The news comes as pubs, cinemas and bars have been given the go-ahead to open again from 4 July as long as they maintain a minimum of one meter distance (preferably two) between visitors. Despite restrictions lifting in just a few weeks time, HOME has taken the decision to wait until September before reopening their cinemas, bar and restaurant in order to ensure the correct safety procedures are in place for the public. The venue’s galleries and theatres aim to welcome visitors again in the Autumn, with additional details revealed across the coming weeks.
While next month’s reopening date may work for some mainstream cinemas and venues, the HOME team believe it may not be the best option for an independent space like their own, which rarely screens summer blockbusters. When the venue returns for its first stage of reopening, audiences can expect enhanced cleaning, a reduction in capacity and a redesign of their space to cater for social distancing procedures. HOME’s relaunch process has also been formulated in collaboration with a HOME Soon Panel which consults audience members and those most impacted by the Coronavirus crisis.
www.homemcr.org
- Words:
- Simon Bland
- Published on:
- Tue 23 Jun 2020