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Your Total Guide To shopping
Since its acquisition by Legal & General in 2013, The Dolphin has grown to include dining options, leisure attractions, free community events, and convenient service hubs for locals and visitors alike.
Originally opened in 1969 as the Arndale Centre, the shopping centre underwent significant redevelopment and was rebranded as The Dolphin Shopping Centre in 1989. Today, The Dolphin attracts over 30,000 visitors daily and remains one of Poole’s most popular shopping destinations.
The centre can be reached from the A35 by following signs to Poole town centre. Signs direct motorists to the Dolphin Shopping Centre multi storey car park at The George roundabout. Those using Sat Nav should use the postcode BH15 1SZ.
Poole Bus Station is located adjacent to the centre, with its own entrance giving direct access for shoppers.
Cycle to the centre and store your bike safely at The Dolphin’s Cycle Hub. There is space for up to 34 bikes, scooters, cargo bikes and non-standard cycles and 24-hour secure access for members.? You can make use of storage lockers, a repair station, a bike pump and charger points for e-bikes.
Poole train station is only a three-minute walk away. Daily services run from Poole to all major cities, including London Waterloo, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Southampton, as well as many other local destinations.
More than just a shopping destination, The Dolphin offers over 90 retailers and restaurants, along with a range of experiences and services for the local community:
GATHER event space offers a free venue for individuals, organisations, and charities to host events that bring the local community together. From charity fundraisers and pop-ups to art exhibitions, children’s activities, education and employment fairs, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone.
They also celebrate the community with larger seasonal events, including Christmas, Easter, Diwali, and Black History Month.
View what's on at The Dolphin Shopping Centre HERE!
Visitors to The Dolphin can take a break from shopping and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Dolphin Street Food. Whether they are craving burritos, noodles, burgers, or handmade wraps, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The new street food destination, located on the first floor, features a mix of brand-new and established restaurants, celebrating flavours from around the world.
Visitors to The Dolphin can explore a world of locally produced products from small business owners, creatives, and artists. The indoor market stalls offer a chance to discover unique, handmade goods alongside popular high street brands.
With market stallholders changing regularly, there’s always something new to discover at The Dolphin Street Market.
The Dolphin Street Market Opening hours:
Small business owners with unique or locally produced products are invited to showcase their offerings at The Dolphin. Products can be presented to thousands of local shoppers starting from just £30 + VAT per day.
The Foundry at The Dolphin offers flexible workspaces designed for everyone, from day-pass users to established teams. You can choose between day passes, a dedicated desk with storage, or a private serviced office with access to meeting rooms. The two-floor workspace includes a boutique members’ lounge (complete with unlimited coffee and an honesty bar), super-fast WiFi, and event spaces.
What kind of events can I host at GATHER?
Previously GATHER has been used for pop-up shops, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, education and employment fairs, interactive workshops and more.
What’s included if I book GATHER as a host?
GATHER is a 1,800sq ft space furnished with free WiFi, a kitchen sink and an external chalkboard where hosts can advertise their event to passersby. GATHER is in a central location on the ground floor of The Dolphin and is easily accessible for all members of the community.
Where is GATHER?
GATHER space can be found on the ground floor of The Dolphin, opposite H Samuel.
Do I have to book to attend an event in GATHER?
Most events are free to attend and don’t require booking. However, some events will have a limited capacity and will require booking in advance. Each event at GATHER will have its own individual event listing, which is the best place to find the particulars of each event.
How many market stalls are at The Dolphin Street Market?
They have eight market stalls available inside The Dolphin. You can find these stalls spread out across the ground floor of the centre.
Do market stalls take card payments?
Yes! Stall holders can accept cash or card payments.
What kinds of products can I expect to find at The Dolphin Street Market?
You’ll find an exciting mix of handmade products, vintage items, and even some homemade sweet treats, all from local independent small businesses and artists.
How long can I rent a stall for?
They offer flexible short-term rental options, so you can choose the duration that works best for your business.
The Dolphin’s GATHER event space is a free venue for individuals, organisations and charities to host a wide range of events for the local community.
Ground Floor, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SZ
Website 01202 339955
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