New leisure attractions contribute towards a significant footfall increase at The Dolphin Poole

Flip Out, Putt Putt Noodle and High Score Arcades bring new family focus to the town’s ever-growing lifestyle destination.

Footfall at The Dolphin Poole increased by an average of 12.4% on 2022 figures following the opening of three major attractions at the centre. Pan-Asian-themed Putt Putt Noodle, indoor activity centre Flip Out and retro arcade experience High Score Arcades opened earlier this year and have provided families with a variety of activities to enjoy alongside the traditional retail experience The Dolphin Poole is renowned for.

All three attractions enjoy over 4-star ratings on TripAdvisor and have highlighted the shopping centre location as key to success. Footfall at The Dolphin Poole is up 21.2% compared to 2021 when Marks & Spencer occupied the unit that is now home to Flip Out and Putt Putt Noodle. This success demonstrates the positive impact of the strategy to reimagine retail spaces to suit ever-changing community needs.

Richard Beese, Chief Concept Officer of Flip Out and Putt Putt Noodle, highlights; “Operating from The Dolphin Poole has created hugely complementary relationships between businesses, which is essential as the high street and shopping environment evolves.

“As a family attraction, we benefit from exposure to the parents who visit The Dolphin Poole for shopping, and similarly, our guests often pop to the shops on their way home after a fun-filled afternoon. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

High Score Arcades features over 80 different retro arcade games for family entertainment, whilst also offering corporate activity days and party hire. Group Manager of High Score Arcades, Nicki Gamblin, is optimistic about their business continuing to grow in the Poole community: “The Dolphin Poole team have been really supportive and the benefits of being within a larger community centre can’t be underestimated.

“Summer is typically our quieter season, however as the weather is cooling, we’re seeing visitors packing into High Score Arcades to enjoy a fun-filled day out protected from the elements!”

The new attractions arrived at The Dolphin Poole as part of its evolution to a multi-use space. The Dolphin Poole is now home to a professional co-working space, FOUNDRY, and a Skills & Learning Centre, enriching the lives of Poole residents, as well as over 80 retailers and KINGLAND, where a variety of independent businesses are thriving.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of The Dolphin, said, “The hugely varied mix of brands within The Dolphin Poole reflects the continuing ambition to re-frame and reimagine this location for the future and make it so much more than just a shopping centre.

“Flip Out, Putt Putt Noodle, and High Score Arcades have been welcome additions to the centre and their presence means there is something for the entire family including young children, teenagers, and older members of our community at The Dolphin Poole.”

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