DETAILED plans to transform a “tired and dated” public space in Poole town centre have been submitted to the council.

The proposals to redesign Falkland Square and Kingland Crescent outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre have been created by architects for owners Legal & General.

The plans form part of a wider scheme to build a new cinema and restaurant complex at the site of the former Argos store.

Empire Cinemas have signed a 25-year lease for the new cinema, which would feature a rooftop screen and bar with capacity for 60 people.

The vision for Falkland Square is to modernise the space with new landscaping, seating areas, and lighting.

In a design and access statement accompanying the plans, architects Tp Bennett said the Falklands War memorial plaque would be replaced with “a more prominent tribute” that is being developed in collaboration with the Royal Marines. The new memorial would be surrounded by seating and soft planting.

Meanwhile, the parade of shops which form the Kingland Crescent building will be given an overhaul, with signage, light fixtures and canopies stripped back to “de-clutter” the building and “simplify its appearance”.

More modern shopfronts will be created with a “regimented appearance”.

Better 'wayfinding' signs would be installed to improve the main pedestrian routes to and from the bus station and train station.

Cycle access will be retained in Kingland Crescent and Falkland Square, but 14 bicycle parking spaces will be located at the Station Link Mall (Towngate Centre)

It is hoped the scheme will encourage visitors to spend more time in the area, supporting the high street’s shops.

“The plans for the improvements to the public realm and the façades of the Kingland Crescent building have been proposed to help address the tired and dated appearance of this prominent and important public space at the heart of Poole’s town centre,” Tp Bennett said.

“The existing condition of the public realm is no longer reflective of the aspirations for the Dolphin Centre and for Poole as a destination and is in great need of modernisation and a visual uplift.

“Proving to be difficult to attract the quality tenants that are targeted for this part of the Dolphin Centre, the Kingland Crescent building is in need of repair, and the refurbishment of this building provides an opportunity to bring it in line with the overall design concept for the area, which has already seen the external redesign of the Towngate Centre, Dolphin Centre mall entrances and the leisure development proposed for the existing Argos site.”