As part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, shops selling non-essential items, outside hospitality venues and hair salons across the town, have now been able to open their doors to customers.
The outdoor attraction, Swanage Pier also reopened alongside Swanage Library on Monday 12th April 2021, as step two of the government’s route out of lockdown came into force.
Station Road in Swanage
Commercial Road in Swanage
“Shopping locally is vital right now”
Swanage Chamber of Trade chair, councillor Caroline Finch said:
“It was a great relief to many shops and businesses to be able to welcome their customers back through their doors. Small and often family-run businesses give a great service with a personal touch and smile and we really need to make sure they can continue to survive alongside our bigger businesses.
“Shopping locally is vital right now and I know how very grateful Swanage shops and businesses are for the loyal support of their regulars – it was lovely to see so many familiar faces in town again!”
Institute Road in Swanage
Andy Knill in The Courtyard Studio
“Swanage is a great town but it’s the people that make it a real community”
Artist Andy Knill from The Courtyard Studio in Tilly Mead Courtyard behind Institute Road in Swanage was delighted to be back in his shop. He said:
“I’ve been working on commissions and on the marketing during lockdown, to make sure people don’t forget we are here. The last few weeks have been about rejigging the shop, giving the customers something new to see and making sure it’s ready for reopening.
“Now it’s about the joy of being able to talk to people and being able to greet people again. Swanage is a great town but it’s the people that make it a real community – as the shops open, they’re bringing it back to life again!”
Lots of new art in Purbeck New Wave Gallery in the High Street
“We’ve been having a good first day back”
Gina Marshall, owner of the Purbeck New Wave Gallery said:
“We’ve been having a good first day back. It was a bit slow in the morning but by lunchtime it was getting busy. I’m really pleased that we’ve sold Ethel the sheep – a handmade footstool, although it’s slightly sad to see her go! It’s great to have people back in the shop and buying.”
Outdoor hospitality has resumed by the Stone Quay
Swanage Information Centre on Shore Road
“Welcoming back our lovely customers and visitors”
Swanage Information Centre reopened in line with government guidelines. It will now be open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm and weekends 9 am to 4.30 pm. It posted:
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming back our lovely customers and visitors, and do also keep an eye out for one our friendly Seafront Advisors if you’re out and about!”
Bars and pubs with outside seating can now reopen
The gatehouse at Swanage Pier was open to greet visitors
Other measures
- Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, have reopened
- Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds can take place
- Indoor leisure and sports facilities like Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham can reopen
- Children are allowed back into inside play areas
- Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and wakes can take place for up to 15 people
- Care home residents are able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits
- Driving lessons can resume
