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FAQs
What are your opening hours?
From Monday 12th April, we will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm. We will be closed on bank holidays.
Will all of the studios be open?
The majority of our studios will be open every day, although due to individual circumstances some studios may be closed at times. If you are visiting for a specific Maker/Studio, we would recommend checking with them in advance just to make sure they will be open.
Can I just turn up?
Yes. We’re not operating time slots or tickets for your visit, so you can just turn up. There will, however, be a maximum of 30 visitors allowed in the building at one time, just to ensure you don’t get overcrowded. We don’t envisage long waiting times and there’s space to wait outside. If you are worried about waiting or have accessibility needs, then please do get in touch with us prior to your visit and we’ll do our best to help.
Is the Café open?
Oak St Café has now closed. We are currently on the lookout for a new business to take over the café which also has an outdoor space for food & coffee trucks. If you’re interested and would like to find out more, please email [email protected].
Do you take cash?
We would really appreciate it if you could use contactless payments on your visit. The majority of our businesses will not be accepting cash.
Will I be able to handle items before buying?
We would ask that you do not pick up and touch items on display unless you have first asked the Maker if it is ok to do so. Our Makers have adapted their studios to create safe spaces for you to browse their work. We also have cleaning and quarantining procedures in place where work needs to be handled prior to purchase.
Is the exhibition open?
Unease by Grace Sharp will be opening at the Centre in May. You can take a sneak-peek at the exhibition online.
What are your coronavirus safety precautions?
All visitors will need to wear a facemask when entering the building. This excludes those who are exempt.
Will the staff and Makers be wearing protective equipment?
Staff and Makers will be wearing facemasks when interacting with customers. There is also a protective screen around the welcome desk.
How will I be able to social distance on my visit?
We have reduced the numbers of visitors allowed in the building to ensure you are able to maintain a safe distance. Studios will also be limiting numbers to ensure you are safe in those spaces too. There will be a one-way system on the first floor that will be clearly marked. On the ground floor there will not be a one-way system as there is enough space to move freely whilst maintaining a safe distance.
Will I be able to sanitise my hands?
We will be providing hand sanitiser at the welcome desk and within each studio. We ask that you use this on arrival.
Will the toilet be open?
Unfortunately, our toilet is currently closed to the public. The nearest public toilets can be found at The Arndale Centre which is only a short walk away.
Can we visit as a group?
In line with government guidelines, you may visit indoor retail as a single household or bubble. View the current guidelines here.
Can we bring children?
Children are always welcome at the Centre, although unfortunately our toddler play area is currently closed. We ask parents and carers to supervise their children in line with social distancing guidelines.
Will there be a place to park buggies?
We will be providing self-service buggy parking on the ground floor.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are now welcome at the centre. Studios that welcome dogs have a green window sticker and studios with more delicate work who unfortunately can’t welcome dogs have a red window sticker.
Do you have a risk assessment?
We have carried out an extensive risk assessment in order to create a Covid-secure environment for our customers to visit. All studios have also completed risk assessments to accommodate the needs of their individual spaces. The Centre and individual businesses will adapt and change our risk assessments in line with any changes in Government advice.