Swan Walk reveals reopening plans after month-long closure

A Horsham shopping centre closed for more than a month after a glass panel fell from its roof has announced the next step towards reopening.

Swan Walk has been closed since July 13, when a pane from the centre’s glazed ceiling fell into the shopping area.

While a number of retailers have remained open, the wider centre has been inaccessible to shoppers during the ongoing safety work.

At the end of July, selected stores were allowed to reopen with customers able to enter through the Swan Walk car park using the lifts and stairs.

The centre has now confirmed that protective netting designed to make the glazed area safe is due to arrive on August 21.

Installation work is expected to begin as soon as the materials are delivered.

Swan Walk said the netting solution has been successfully used elsewhere and will be installed across the glazed section of the centre.

A spokesperson said the centre would provide more information about reopening dates once installation is under way, with the return expected to happen in stages.

The centre is also planning a reopening event for the first weekend when the whole shopping centre is operating again.

The cause of the original glazing problem has also been identified. Swan Walk said an external projectile was responsible for the damage to the glass panels.

The centre stressed that the safety of its tenants, staff and visitors remains its main priority, while thanking shoppers, businesses and local town centre partners for their patience and support.

Several retailers have continued trading during the closure.

M&S and Boots remain open and can be accessed from the Carfax entrance, while TG Jones, The Post Office, Next and Toy Barnhaus are open via the Swan Walk car park entrance.

Customer toilets are also accessible from the car park using the lifts and stairs.

Swan Walk said it hopes to provide further details on the phased reopening once the netting installation timetable becomes clearer.