Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIMRA) is bringing an extensive selection of locally curated market stalls, live performances and a programmed events series hosting more than 1,000 events all year round.

These additions will assist in the continued regeneration of Poole’s high street and are part of a unique initiative by LGIMRA to breathe new life and energy into the town.

Due to changes in consumer trends and expectations, LGIMRA identified that to support the more traditional retailers they must re-imagine and re-curate the retail environments to remain relevant. The redevelopment of Kingland Crescent into a brand new street dedicated to Dorset independents last year was the first stage of these plans for Poole.

Greg Westover, Fund Head of Retail and Leisure at LGIMRA, said: “This second phase of redevelopment will truly take the shopping experience in Poole to the next level and bring home our mission to bring a dynamic and multi-faceted experience to the Dolphin Centre. KINGLAND has been a huge success, but it is just the beginning – we will continue to bring a unique customer experience to the high street in as many ways as possible, and we are so proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

GATHER, a new events hub opening in August opposite Beales, will look to eventually deliver roughly three events a day for the community to enjoy. GATHER will partner with local talented businesses to host activities and events including yoga, boxercise, kids care, music schools, book clubs, and much more.  

A new Community Manager has been hired to oversee and curate GATHER’S events programme and will be the main point of contact for all event hosts, market tenants and other engagement activities.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of the Dolphin Centre, said: “Phase two will bring a refreshing new perspective on what shopping centres can and should provide their community with. These new additions have ensured that we remain on track to turn a quick trip to the shops into a totally unique experience. This has been a labour of love and as a result, Poole is very quickly coming to life like never before.”

A series of musical and dance performances will also perform live, four days a week at the centre starting in August and will take place in the Dolphin Plaza (located outside Beales) on Wednesdays and Fridays and will alternate with Kingland Crescent on Thursdays and Saturdays. The performers are provided by local talent agency Strawberry Fields RePresents. These will begin at 12pm and there will be a donation bucket collating funds for the Dolphin’s dedicated charity, Forest Holme Hospice.

Lastly, a carefully curated market boasting local makers, merchants and foodies will open by September. The market will be located inside the main mall area of the centre and outside in KINGLAND. An initial five stalls will open at the end of the month with plans to expand over time.  

To apply for a spot at the markets, please visit https://www.appearhere.co.uk/spaces/dolphin-centre-kiosk-5-poole or to host an event in GATHER, please contact: gather@dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk

and for more information about the Dolphin Shopping Centre, please visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk