The Eco Hub is open to applications of any type which fit with its community engagement and sustainability mission. Previous projects and events at the Eco Hub include volunteer fairs, ‘stay and play’ events for children, workshops with Dorset Mind and recruitment drives.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, says: “We’re very pleased to open up the Eco Hub again for bookings. It’s great to have a space like this available for the local community to utilise for such beneficial causes. It’s truly a wonderful and inclusive area and I continually look forward to what our local stakeholders bring to the Hub.”

The free-to-access Eco Hub was created in 2018 as a sustainable initiative for local stakeholders and the community to run events relating to eco-friendly practice and wellbeing. An empty retail unit was transformed with eco-inspired décor, including living walls, seating areas made from recycled materials and grow potting tables.

Since opening, the Eco Hub has brought multitudes of benefits to local residents, including community fridges created to minimise food waste, free Wi-Fi, baby changing and breastfeeding areas, a prayer room, and water bottle refill site.

The Eco Hub’s goals align with the Centre’s values on sustainable practice, while creating an inclusive space for visitors to use for various needs. Previous events hosted have brought employment and volunteer opportunities to local residents, mindfulness practices and mental health benefits, upgrading their quality of life.

The Dolphin Shopping Centre was announced as winner of the 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Award by the International Council of Shopping Centres, recognising the Eco Hub and the positive contributions it has brought to the local and wider community.

Due to current Covid restrictions, the Eco Hub is open for pre-booked activity only and will be opened full-time, coinciding with the Centre’s opening hours, once all restrictions have been lifted.

For more information and requirements for booking a slot at the Eco Hub, please visit: https://www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk/eco-hub/. To apply for bookings, please contact marketing@dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk.