Lansell Square sees increase in customers despite rising coronavirus concerns

It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday banned non-essential gatherings of more than 100 people indoors and 500 people in outdoor spaces amid rising coronavirus concerns.

Supermarkets, schools, public transport, and hospitals are among the places exempt from the ban.

A centre management spokesperson for Lansell Square, owned by Charter Hall, said people were flocking to the shopping centre.

"Lansell Square is experiencing a significant increase in traffic," the spokesperson said. "We are operating a convenience-based centre that provides essential goods and services.

"We are committed to ensuring that we continue to support the community in which we operate."

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There is both a Woolworths and a Coles store at Lansell Square.

The supermarket chains' changes to operating hours - now 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday - has also affected the centre, the spokesperson said.

"Our speciality tenants will align their Friday night trade hours to that of Woolworths and Coles," they said.

"There is currently no changes to Kmart's operating hours. We continue to be flexible and will be working with our tenants and the community to ensure we best met their changing needs."

The spokesperson said Lansell Square had no plans to close as a result of rising coronavirus concerns.

"Given our centre plays an important role in the community ensuring access to food, household items, products, banking for everyday needs, we do not anticipate being closed throughout this challenging time," the spokesperson said.

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"Although we are guided by the official advice from the Federal Government in relation to community services including shopping centres.

"At this stage, the government has deemed shopping centres as essential services and they should remain open."

Lansell Square would continue to monitor the situation, the spokesperson said.

"We remain focused on safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of our tenant customers, our people, our contractors and the community," they said.

"We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this time and we are committed to supporting the community of Bendigo."

Bendigo Marketplace was contacted for comment.

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