A new vision for The Dolphin reaps reward for business and community

LGIM celebrate success after welcoming 10 new brands and introducing several new initiatives.

Since January 2023, 10 new businesses have opened at The Dolphin in Poole, contributing to an almost 8% increase in spend on 2022. A re-imagined retail offering in Poole, complete with a dynamic mix of independent businesses, leisure attractions, and household brands, has culminated in an impressive increase of over 11% in footfall year-on-year at The Dolphin.  

Earlier this year, Jay & Co, Boiler Room Records, and Brakeburn opened their doors in KINGLAND, a high street completely dedicated to independents and eclectic retail outlets. Titanium Flower, founded by Alan Wright, is the latest brand to open in KINGLAND and offers high-quality, one-of a kind designer jewellery. 

The regeneration of KINGLAND has created 29 new jobs for the community and generated over £2million in turnover for retailers operating within the first two years.  

Commenting on the success of their first store, Emma Torok from Poole-based clothing brand, Brakeburn, said; “The footfall on KINGLAND has been truly remarkable. The response to our store has exceeded our expectations, and it's been wonderful to witness the support and enthusiasm from the community.” 

The Dolphin has also recently welcomed several notable leisure attractions to its increasingly diverse space, providing additional appeal to local families and young people. Following the opening of Flip Out, High Scores, and Putt Putt Noodle in May, The Dolphin has seen an unprecedented 22% increase in footfall in the last 30 days. 

Greg Westover, Head of Retail & Leisure for the Managed Fund at Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIM), explains; “We’ve responded to the needs of Poole and the wider area to evolve The Dolphin into a vibrant hub for the community that offers more than just shopping." 

“Our vision has been to transition The Dolphin away from what a traditional shopping centre looks and feels like and into a destination for discovery, learning, working, wellness, and sharing. Integrating the Skills & Learning facility into The Dolphin, as well as welcoming leisure attractions and a co-working space, are all factors that have contributed to revitalising The Dolphin and putting Poole on the map for retail excellence.” 

As part of The Dolphin’s successful evolution in the past 36 months, it has recently become the home to co-working space FOUNDRY. The boutique serviced offices, desk areas, breakout space, and meeting rooms occupy 16,000 square foot and will host 250 members at full capacity. Since opening in May, 80 of Dorset’s leading businesses have signed up as members. The team at FOUNDRY has over 50 events planned for its first year, further cementing The Dolphin as a destination for the community.  

Adam Walker, co-founder of FOUNDRY, commented; “We have joined an incredible community at The Dolphin, and are?proud?to be part?of The Dolphin’s continued success. FOUNDRY is bringing together a range of creatives, startups and established businesses under one roof within The Dolphin and work regularly with The Dolphin’s team to showcase the best of Poole.”? 

Earlier openings from 2022 and 2021 continue to thrive in The Dolphin. The £1.3million Skills & Learning Centre, opened in 2022 in conjunction with BCP Council, now welcomes up to 300 students every day, supporting the development in local talent. The NHS outpatient assesment clinic saw over 15,500 patients between December 2021 and January 2023, significantly reducing waiting times on local services. 

Additionally, small, local businesses benefit from opportunity to sell to the heart of the community at The Dolphin’s regular Street Market, which has taken over 1,000 bookings from local SME businesses since March 2022. Further supporting the community, GATHER, The Dolphin’s event space, has hosted 518 public events since opening in October 2021.  

Greg added: “The growing array of initiatives at The Dolphin all serve to generate positive community impact, while supporting success for retailers and local businesses by generating significant additional footfall in the heart of Poole.” 

For more information visit dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk or follow The Dolphin on Facebook and Instagram @thedolphinpoole.