Shoppers queuing up following the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday has brought back memories of the opening day of the Westgate Centre in October 2017 when thousands of people flocked to the shops.

There were queues of shoppers waiting to get into the Westgate Centre on Monday, and queues outside fashion stores including Primark.

Queues outside the Westgate Centre before it opened on October 24, 2017

Queues outside the Westgate Centre before it opened on October 24, 2017

Shopper now have to face social distancing requirements to stay safe due to the coronavirus and this can lead to more queuing.

Read again: Westgate's successful opening day

There was no social distancing on October 24, 2017 the opening day for the revamped £440m centre.

Shoppers rushed around trying to get the best bargains and there was a scrum of people trying to get through the doors when John Lewis opened.

The aisles were busy all day long as people visited the new stores.

Contractors had been working all hours to get the new centre ready for the grand opening at 9.30am in Leiden Square.

Staff prepare for the opening of Primark at Westgate in 2017

Staff prepare for the opening of Primark at Westgate in 2017

Flagship store John Lewis and discount clothing chain Primark cut their ribbons after 10am, and live performances including acrobats took place in the square throughout the day.

Read again: Shoppers worried about fourth lockdown after facing queues

There was a phased arrangement for the opening of new stores, with 60 units out of 125 opening on day one, and a further 30 before Christmas 2017.

In the days leading up to October 24, 2017, staff at John Lewis welcomed 2,000 customers to have a look at the store.

Alice in Wonderland themed entertainment on Westgate Centres opening day in 2017

Alice in Wonderland themed entertainment on Westgate Centre's opening day in 2017

Westgate Centre manager Brendan Hattam said at the time: “With a first-class line-up of retail, food and leisure brands, Westgate Oxford cements the city’s reputation as one of the most attractive destinations in the country.”

Bob Price, city council leader at the time, said the opening was ‘an exciting day for Oxford and quite a historic moment’.

He added: “Any complications have been tackled in the spirit of partnership.

“It’s 20 years since Capital Shopping Centres, the owners at the time, first put forward their proposals before the new owners took over.

Read more: Good feeling in Oxford as hundreds arrive to go shopping

“The Westgate Centre will be a massive asset for Oxford’s retail offer and equally important is the very significant improvement it brings to a whole quarter of the city centre architecturally."

A crush as shoppers queue for the opening of John Lewis in October 2017 Picture: Jon Lewis

A crush as shoppers queue for the opening of John Lewis in October 2017 Picture: Jon Lewis

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said before the opening: “The new Westgate Centre will be fantastic for Oxford.

“People have been going elsewhere to shop - now Oxford will become a destination for shoppers.”

Harry Brown, 17, visits Uniqlo on its opening day

Harry Brown, 17, visits Uniqlo on its opening day

Mr Hudspeth said council staff would be monitoring traffic flows to combat any congestion.

Read more: City centre pubs busier than anticipated

Drivers were advised to use public transport and park-and-rides, as well as city centre car parks including the Westgate Centre’s.