A MULTI-MILLION pound overhaul of Poole's Dolphin Shopping Centre has been announced,

Bosses at the centre have signed an agreement with the Borough of Poole to unlock a £26 million programme of investment.

It is hoped that the plans will see more stores and restaurants signing up to the shopping destination.

The 18-month improvement programme by Legal & General is due to begin in the summer and finish at the end of 2018.

Work to internal malls and entrances, public spaces and facades of Falkland Square will take place.

Kingland Crescent will also be improved.

Alongside this, Poole council has invested £1.5m into upgrading the multi-storey car park, which it owns.

Officers say the car park will be better lit, easier to navigate and more welcoming.

Centre manager John Grinnell said several leading retailers have signed up to the improved centre. New Look will increase the size of its branch, while German shoe retailer Deichmann will take on a unit.

“We’re delighted with these announcements. The people of Poole deserve a fantastic place where they can socialise with family and friends," Mr Grinnell said.

"By adding a range of fantastic new retailers, there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s interests. Our improvement programme will enhance the centre and add to the appeal of the town as a whole.”

Councillor John Challinor, cabinet portfolio holder for corporate estates for the Borough of Poole, said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with our partners at Legal & General.

"These exciting proposals reflect our shared ambitions for the town centre and will transform it into an attractive and vibrant destination for the people of Poole.

“We want the town centre to be a place we can be proud of, reflecting the best of Poole; somewhere that people want to spend more time shopping, eating out and enjoying their leisure time.

"Poole town centre has enormous potential and the agreement with L&G is an important step towards our vision of making it the vibrant heart of our borough.”

The Dolphin has more than 100 retail, dining and leisure brands. Each year, some 11 million people visit the centre, accounting for two-thirds of retail sales in the town.