Planning permission granted for new cinema at the Dolphin shopping centre, Poole
Planning permission has been granted by the Borough of Poole to convert existing space at the Dolphin shopping centre in Poole into a new, nine-screen cinema plus four adjacent casual dining restaurants.
The cinema development is the latest improvement to the Dolphin, and is part of a major improvement programme to the centre, announced in June 2017, following the restructuring of the existing headlease arrangements into a single, longer lease which resulting in the unlocking of £26m of investment.
Empire Cinemas has signed a 25-year lease to operate what will be the first multiplex in the town centre, with one of the nine screens being open-air on the rooftop, giving a memorable experience for holidaymakers and locals alike. The new cinema will be created by redeveloping the former Argos store and adjoining units at the end of the high street, generating more vibrancy and appeal for the town centre as a whole.
Mark Russell, senior fund manager at LGIM Real Assets, said: “The Dolphin centre has been significantly improved over the past year with a focus on an internal mall refresh, as well as improvements to the external areas in Falkland Square and Kingland Crescent. We’ve also introduced new brands to appeal to our wide spectrum of customers, from students to day-trippers. H&M, Deichmann Shoes and New Look have all joined the line-up in recent months, with more to be announced.”
Construction work will start this year. Joint leasing agents are Colliers International and Lunson Mitchenall and architect for the improvement programme is TP Bennett.
