Helpful guide for visiting Lisburn city centre
June 8, 2020
The Government announced that it hopes to further ease lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks and months. Lisburn city centre has been implementing a number of changes to help people stay safe. Please follow guidance on social distancing and other public safety measures during your visit.
Lots of signage will be displayed to highlight important safety messages. You will notice ground markings outside stores to guide and inform you of where to queue.
Stores in the city centre have been implementing their own safety measures and queuing systems to protect their customers and staff. The City Centre Management team with the support of Environmental Health Officers will continue to work closely with stores to ensure they are fully aware of the latest government guidance by providing them with help, guidance and support.
Bow Street and Market Square will become more pedestrian friendly with delivery vehicle restrictions in place. The council would encourage visitors to keep to the left-hand side of lanes and alleyways at Haslems Lane, Graham Gardens, and Piper’s Hill to help people move around while keeping a safe distance from other people.
Our local businesses are working hard to provide a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for customers. Business owners have expressed their thanks for you choosing to shop local. If you would prefer to shop from home, don’t forget that a number of stores offer a fantastic delivery service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shops are open in Lisburn City Centre?
The council has developed a helpful Community Services Directory to enable you to search for businesses and organisations that are open in your area and indeed those offering home delivery. This will be updated as more businesses open in the coming weeks and months. Follow this link to access the Directory communitysupport.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
How are you keeping the City Centre clean?
Our City Centre Ranger and Street Cleansing Team clean and tidy the street several times a day. Individual stores have their own cleaning practices and many offer hand sanitiser to customers on entry.
How will social distancing and government guidance be monitored?
City Centre Management Staff, working in partnership with Environmental Health Officers and the PSNI will be out and about to help and advise people. Stores will be informed as to how they should adhere to guidance and regular checks will be carried out.
Are the car parks open?
Yes, the car parks are open. Council owned car parks and on-street parking within the city centre are FREE of charge until further notice.
Is public transport available to and from Lisburn?
The council would encourage you to cycle or walk to the city centre if you can. The city centre has dedicated bicycle stands and taxis are still available. Translink Bus and Train services are operating a new revised timetable. This can be accessed at translink.co.uk
Please follow their safety advice for using public transport.
Are the parks in the city centre open?
Yes, Castle Gardens and Wallace Park are both open. The car park at Wallace Park is open but the children’s play park remains closed. The public toilets in both parks will remain closed.
Are public toilets open?
As the latest Government advice is not to open toilet facilities, people will need to be aware of this. However, if you plan to use public transport the toilets at the Bus Station remain open. It would be advisable to bring tissues and hand sanitiser with you if you plan to visit the city centre. The council plans to provide outdoor hand sanitising units at two locations within the city centre public spaces.
Face coverings are also being recommended, particularly if people anticipate going into an enclosed public space.
Is the Tuesday Market on at Smithfield Square?
Yes, the Tuesday Market is operating at a reduced capacity currently offering fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, plants and shrubs. The type and number of traders will increase as Government restrictions continue to be lifted. The Market runs every Tuesday from 8.00am -1.30pm. Social distancing measures are in place.
Are there any upcoming events in the city centre?
Events and larger gatherings in the city entre have been postponed for the foreseeable future to keep people safe. This will be reviewed regularly by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and when it is safe to do so, events will commence again.