A SHOPPING centre has given customers a sneak peak at its new 'secret garden' which will be opening to visitors today.

Non-essential retailers in Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester, will reopen their doors from Monday.

Read more >>> WATCH: Take a tour of Lion Walk Shopping Centre's secret garden

To mark the occasion the centre is opening the Lion Walk Secret Garden - an outside seating area, near River Island, where food and drink will be on offer.

It will be open from 12noon until late every day of the week.

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchesters Secret Garden

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchester's Secret Garden

A raft of new safety measures will be in place at Lion Walk, including Covid marshal patrols, high frequency cleaning, a clearer one-way system and automatic hand sanitising stations.

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchesters Secret Garden

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchester's Secret Garden

Retailers will implement their own safety measures and opening times may be adjusted.

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchesters Secret Garden

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchester's Secret Garden

Some are set to be open for longer period, with Primark extending its opening hours to allow shoppers more time to browse.

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchesters Secret Garden

Lion walk Shopping Centre in Colchester's Secret Garden

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Centre manager Martin Leatherdale said: “This year we have all continued to be resilient and tenacious with our efforts to support the NHS and combat the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With light at the end of the tunnel, we have worked with our retailers and partners to deliver something extra special for when we reopen Lion Walk’s non-essential retail on Monday.

“Alongside the reopening of stores, I am delighted to see the opening of our Lion Walk Secret Garden.

“Set in the open space adjacent to River Island and Boots, we welcome customers to enjoy a beautiful secret garden display, where they can eat, drink, shop, and relax.

“Naturally, we take our responsibility, and diligence, to keep our customers safety very seriously - with the delivery of a robust Covid-19 safety strategy.

“We continue to work very closely with the authorities to ensure that our customers feel safe and look forward to welcoming them back very soon.”

Visit www.lionwalkshopping.com for updates.