CONSTRUCTION has yet to start on a new nine-screen cinema complex in Poole and no date has been set.

When plans for the town centre Empire Cinema complex were first announced it was said that work would begin in late 2018.

Last December the public was told it would start in the New Year.

But now, as we near the end of 2019, there are still no firm plans in place.

The cinema complex will form part of the Dolphin Shopping Centre and will be part of the centre's £26 million programme of investment with Legal & General.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, a spokesperson for Legal & General said: "We are still working through the details for the cinema at the Dolphin Shopping Centre and hope to have an update on progress in the near future."

The development will include a nine-screen cinema and four new casual dining restaurants.

The former Argos store and adjoining units will be converted into the new cinema complex, which will be the first of its kind in the town centre. Empire Cinemas signed a 25-year lease to operate the cinema.

One of the cinema screens will be open-air on the rooftop in a bid to give a different experience for residents and visitors.

Empire used to operate the multiplex at Tower Park in Poole but it is now operated by Cineworld.

Legal & General, which bought the Dolphin Centre in 2013, has introduced many changes to the centre including improvements to the mall and new retailers.

Among the shops to open in recent years are Deichmann, H&M, Smiggle, JD, and an upgraded New Look store, which now takes up two units across two floors.

New public toilets have been unveiled in the main mall with touch-free technology. Accessibility has improved for wheelchair users.

For more information about the Dolphin Shopping Centre, go to dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk