The success of Poole’s independent retailers

Kingland, the innovative shopping district in Poole town centre created to reshape and reinvigorate traditional retail, is marking the resounding success of its first year of operation, through the stories of the local independent businesses which have benefitted from the ground-breaking development.

Kingland is a project curated by owners of the Dolphin Centre, Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIM). The UK-first initiative has provided some of Dorset’s most ambitious and creative small retailers with the opportunity to trade in the town centre, rent and business rates free for the first two years, encouraging visitors to shop local.

Since opening to the public after government restrictions ended on 12th April 2021, the businesses at Kingland, which range from offering everyday essentials to unique gifts and social spaces, have experienced multiple successes – with many citing that Kingland has provided the opportunity to bring dreams to life, which they had previously never imagined possible.

Hope Dean, owner of plant and homeware shop Wild Roots, started her business alone and since has sold over 12,000 plants in store. Hope has employed five staff members in the past year to accommodate for the business’ rapid growth and has also launched a design service in which Hope has installed over 200 plants to enhance office and commercial spaces.

Hope said: “The best thing about trading at Kingland is undoubtedly the community feel. We’re all in the same boat and are always sharing our successes and overcoming our worries together. The support from the public has been sometimes overwhelming because everyone has been so wonderful. I felt very positive when opening up Wild Roots, but never expected my business to grow as much as it has already in its first year.”

Since opening, Kingland has also become the natural destination for creative talent through retail spaces such as Pen Gallery, a non-profit space supporting local makers and artists. Half of the unit is dedicated to selling products created by over 100 local makers, with the other half acting as a gallery for local artists to showcase their work.

Pen Gallery owner, Emma Rowland said: “Being the first space of its kind in the area has really given us an edge to deliver something different. I would never have been able to open a shop or run a non-profit the way I do anywhere else.”

Classes and workshops also regularly take place at Pen Gallery, including ‘drink and draw’ sessions, craft workshops ranging from pottery to macrame, and gatherings for local creatives to network and share ideas.

Emma continued: “Our events are so popular; people have such an appetite for what we put on. Our opening nights see over 100 people attend every time and most of our events sell out. I’m so proud that Pen Gallery has been able to financially support well over 100 artists since opening. I can’t wait to bring more shows, events, and get even more involved with creatives in our local community.”

LGIM’s vision to provide bold retail spaces for local budding entrepreneurs has given rise to success for people such as Stephen Wyatt, owner of Restored Retro, who has been able to pursue his dream career through the Kingland initiative.

Restored Retro specialises in reclaiming and restoring vintage furniture, selling over 300 pieces of furniture since opening, even collaborating with popular furniture restorer and TV presenter, Jay Blades.

Stephen said: “So many doors have opened for me in the past year, it really has been a dream come true. Running my own business in a shop was something I’d always thought about, but I was never able to obtain my own space until now. I’m always buying more and striving to find more items to restore. I’m so thankful for the support of the Kingland community, the public, and for people like Jay Blades who have all helped massively with my business.”

Legal & General’s vision to further expand Kingland and enhance Poole’s retail experience is underway, with launches of community-led GATHER space and the Dolphin’s Street Market proving to be popular additions to the centre.

Further independent street food and market traders are due to open in Kingland Crescent, continuing to bring vibrancy, innovation and a true destination focus to Poole town centre.

Greg Westover, Fund Head of Retail and Leisure at Legal & General, said: “Our investment towards enhancing Poole’s retail offering has been a resounding success and the Kingland initiative truly is testament to that. We have created a vibrant new high street with a fantastic community feel, enhancing footfall to the district and the Dolphin Centre, and have helped the dreams of some fantastic small business owners come true along the way.

“Kingland has been such a success in just a short amount of time, and we are confident that this will pave the way for future schemes across the UK – helping breathe life back into the high street and supporting local businesses.”