More plans for Flip Out park to replace Poole M&S store

A bumper car track, obstacle run, ice rink and crazy golf site are just a few of the proposals to transform the former M&S in the Dolphin Shopping Centre into a Flip Out adventure park.

The site, which has been empty since January when the M&S closed after 50 years of trading, would become one of 29 Flip Out locations across the UK if BCP Council approves the £2.5 million superstore project.

According to the application, Flip Out intend to occupy the ground, first and second floors of the unit, totalling 3739.6 sqm of floor space.

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It is proposed the ground floor will consist of a mini golf area, arcade, vortex tunnel play area, small bar and kitchen with a seating area as well as some storage, staff and office rooms.

The applicant intends to transform the first floor to contain an interactive football area, bumper car track, an obstacle run, ice skating rink, a soft play area, table tennis and the formation of party rooms for guest events.

Flip Out adventure park facilities

Lastly, the second floor is proposed to house an eKarting track, a Laser Quest site, maze area and an additional play area. Toilets and a staff room are also intended for this floor.

Many customers previously expressed their disappointment at the closing of the M&S. Poole resident Tricia Hercoe set up a petition to save the store which, despite receiving more than 3,000 signatures, ultimately failed.

The loss of retail space was referenced by developers, who said: “In order to address the loss of traditional retail, the market has seen a shift in many town centres towards the experience economy and increasing demand for leisure use. As such, there has been a marked shift towards flexible uses of space within town centres to cater to this demand.

“Flip Out would introduce a family focused, commercial leisure facility, offering a significant number of leisure activities under one roof that would help attract customers back to the town centre.”

If permission is granted it is understood the centre will bring around 60 part-time and 20 full-time jobs to the area and could be open by Christmas.

No objections have yet been filed by members of the public on the official application, which can be found by searching APP/22/00423/C on BCP Council’s online planning portal.