A £6.5million Poole town centre rejuvenation scheme has been lodged with borough planning chiefs.

The ambitious scheme – that involves a complete overhaul of Kingland Crescent and Falkland Square – is being funded by the Dutch owners of Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre.

This company, Wereldhave, wants to install new flooring, lighting, glazing and signage in a bid to encourage new retailers into Poole.

More than 200 residents learned about the scheme at a recent public exhibition.

Managing director of Wereldhave Property Management, Andrew Turton, said: “We were heartened to see so many people visit our exhibition and were delighted to receive so many positive comments.

“There is clear public support for our plans and our completed questionnaires showed that shoppers are eager to see more new brands come to Poole.”

The application has now been submitted to the Borough of Poole.

Dolphin Shopping Centre manager John Grinnell told the Daily Echo: “I am sure this scheme will attract new customers.”

Wereldhave bought the shopping centre at the end of 2010, before purchasing a significant slice of Falkland Square last year.

Mr Turton said: “As a long-term investor in Poole, we are committed to meeting the needs of those who shop in the town and we are keen to work with the council to ensure we do this.

“We are excited to have submitted our planning application and look forward to progressing our vision for Dolphin.”

No completion date has been set for the phased project, but it is likely to take at least two years to finish.

Depending on how the application is dealt with by the borough officials, Weraldhave hope to be able to start phase one of the rejuvenation project this year.