A SHOPPING centre in Poole has enjoyed higher footfall this year after the introduction of three new attractions.
Visitors to The Dolphin, in Poole, rose by an average of 12.4 per cent on last year following the opening of Putt Putt Noodle, Flip Out and High Score Arcades.
All opened in the space of a year, the three attractions are all rated four out of five on TripAdvisor and are driving the centre into its new chapter.
Richard Beese, chief concept officer of indoor activity centre Flip Out and pan-Asian-themed Putt Putt Noodle, said the success has been a “win-win for everyone”.
He said: “Operating from The Dolphin Poole has created hugely complementary relationships between businesses, which is essential as the high street and shopping environment evolves.
“As a family attraction, we benefit from exposure to the parents who visit The Dolphin Poole for shopping, and similarly, our guests often pop to the shops on their way home after a fun-filled afternoon.”
Read more: Poole's The Dolphin going through 'evolution'
Group manager of High Score Arcades, Nicki Gamblin, is optimistic about the business continuing to grow in the Poole community.
She said: “The Dolphin Poole team have been really supportive and the benefits of being within a larger community centre can’t be underestimated.
“Summer is typically our quieter season, however as the weather is cooling, we’re seeing visitors packing into High Score Arcades to enjoy a fun-filled day out protected from the elements.”
In recent years, The Dolphin has undergone a transformation and evolution to reflect its change in use from more than just a shopping centre.
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Having undergone a name change, centre manager John Grinnell said it is now a “multi-faceted destination” offering workspace, a high street with independent retailers and attractions.
John said: “The hugely varied mix of brands within The Dolphin Poole reflects the continuing ambition to re-frame and reimagine this location for the future and make it so much more than just a shopping centre.
“Flip Out, Putt Putt Noodle and High Score Arcades have been welcome additions to the centre and their presence means there is something for the entire family including young children, teenagers, and older members of our community at The Dolphin Poole.”
Footfall at The Dolphin Poole is also up 21.2 per cent compared to 2021 when Marks & Spencer occupied the unit before it was filled by Out and Putt Putt Noodle.
The Dolphin has been unable to share exact figures of how many visitors it has had.
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