Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Ultimate Shopping and Leisure Destination in Poole
Dolphin Shopping Centre stands as Dorset's largest indoor shopping centre, offering a comprehensive retail and community experience since 1969. Our 90+ retailers span leading high street brands and independent specialists, supported by diverse dining options, leisure attractions, and service hubs. Acquired by Legal & General in 2013, we expanded our offerings to include modern co-working spaces at Foundry, free community events through GATHER, and curated local marketplaces. With daily visitor numbers exceeding 30,000, we prioritise accessibility, mental and physical wellbeing through partnerships like Access Wellbeing, and educational opportunities via Skills & Learning.Our commitment to local businesses manifests through initiatives like Kingland Crescent's rent-free units for SMEs and The Dolphin Street Market's affordable stalls for artisans. We host seasonal celebrations and cultural events, including Diwali and Black History Month, while maintaining state-of-the-art facilities across 1,800 sq ft of flexible event space. Our operations adhere to rigorous standards of transparency, community engagement, and sustainable business practices, ensuring both commercial success and social value for Poole residents and visitors alike.
Services
Retail Stores
Dining Options
Event Spaces
Workspaces
Street Market
Community Services
Parking
Customer Support
Stall Rentals
Online Presence
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer over 90 retailers and diverse dining options under one roof
- Our community events foster local engagement and cultural celebration
- Flexible workspaces at Foundry support startups and established businesses
- Street Market showcases local artisans and SMEs with affordable rentals
- Award-winning street food restaurants celebrate global culinary traditions
Services
Retail Stores
Our shopping centre houses over 90 retailers ranging from high street brands to specialist independent stores. Visitors can access fashion, homeware, electronics, and unique local products across multiple levels. The retail environment combines established names with emerging local businesses, creating a diverse shopping experience that supports both national and regional commerce.
Dining Options
The Dolphin offers comprehensive dining solutions including street food restaurants, coffee shops, and established eateries. The first-floor food court features global cuisines while ground floor options include Starbucks and independent cafes. This variety caters to all tastes and dietary requirements, with both quick-service and sit-down restaurant formats available throughout regular operating hours.
Event Spaces
GATHER provides 1,800 sq ft of free event space for community organisations, charities, and local businesses. The venue supports pop-up shops, art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural celebrations with WiFi, kitchen facilities, and promotional support. This initiative strengthens local engagement while offering flexible spaces for both commercial and community purposes.
Workspaces
Foundry offers flexible co-working solutions from day passes to private offices. The facility includes meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and business support services for freelancers, startups, and established companies. This modern workspace environment encourages collaboration while providing professional infrastructure for businesses at all development stages.
Street Market
The Dolphin Street Market features eight rotating stalls showcasing locally produced goods from independent artisans and SMEs. Vendors offer handmade crafts, vintage items, and food products with affordable daily rental rates. This initiative supports entrepreneurial development while providing visitors with unique shopping opportunities that complement traditional retail offerings.
Questions
What are The Dolphin's standard opening hours?
The shopping centre operates Monday to Saturday 8:00am-9:00pm and Sunday 9:30am-9:00pm. Individual retailers may have varying hours.
Can local businesses rent market stalls?
Yes, we offer eight indoor market stalls from £30+VAT per day, including equipment and payment processing support for local artisans and SMEs.
Is there event space available for community organisations?
GATHER provides free 1,800 sq ft event space with WiFi and facilities for community groups, charities, and local businesses in Poole.
What dining options are available?
We offer diverse dining including five street food restaurants, coffee shops, and established eateries across multiple price points and cuisines.
Are there co-working spaces available?
Foundry provides flexible co-working solutions with day passes, dedicated desks, and private offices for businesses in Poole.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most retailers accept card payments, while market stalls support both cash and card transactions for visitor convenience.
Reviews (6)
Alan Lewis
Dec 28, 2021
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Indoor shopping centre in Poole. Fair number of shops, good access to parking and bus routes (it's adjacent to the bus station and a car park)
But, if visiting to experience childhood nostalgia of the wooden whale, dolphin, and turtle... they have gone :(
But, if visiting to experience childhood nostalgia of the wooden whale, dolphin, and turtle... they have gone :(
Rebecca Cresswell
Dec 10, 2021
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Really becoming the place to go shopping these days! Fou n more gifts and unique stores here than anywhere else
Dom Coleman
Dec 10, 2021
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Lovely layout, we visited a couple of weeks back before the restrictions were increased but all centre staff were visible, wearing face coverings, cheerful and helpful! the centre is quite bright and airy and an alive feel to it with clean toilets, well presented shops of various types. for a slightly dated shopping complex, it has managed to maintain a modern, comfortable persona.
Dennis Morgan
Oct 19, 2021
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Plentiful shops but not much seating areas for older folks like us who had already walked all the way up High street.
Shops are too warm inside and could be better air conditioned. We had a nice snack and coffee in a department store and then quickly bought some towels and left. We experienced this kind of shopping way back in the seventies and covered shopping Malls are convenient but they kill off the High street shops with their individuality that are much more interesting. And there is much more going on in a street to see and do and fresh air added.
Shops are too warm inside and could be better air conditioned. We had a nice snack and coffee in a department store and then quickly bought some towels and left. We experienced this kind of shopping way back in the seventies and covered shopping Malls are convenient but they kill off the High street shops with their individuality that are much more interesting. And there is much more going on in a street to see and do and fresh air added.
Ajesh Jan
Aug 28, 2021
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The Dolphin Shopping Centre at the Poole Town Centre, is a very large shopping centre even though the entrance to it is a bit small. It does have lots of stores inside where you can do variety of shopping big and small. Recommend it.
Lisa Newman
Jul 08, 2021
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Great shopping centre. The even have some old visitors back. You used to be able to play on these when I was a kid. I'm glad to see they are taking PPE seriously....
