A POOLE workspace in the Dolphin shopping centre has helped increase town centre footfall by 10 per cent. 

The Foundry has been labelled to be a major driver in increasing footfall in the town centre, according to BCP Council.

Nicknamed the 'Foundry factor', the workspace has been labelled as driving regeneration in Poole town centre due to an influx of workers helping boost local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

BCP Council leader Cllr Vikki Slade said: “I think Poole is very much on the up and the rethinking of the Dolphin Centre as town centres evolve has been great to see.

“The inclusion of a workspace like Foundry is important to sustain a broad use for the space. More and more people want to access working space outside their home without the overheads of a dedicated office or creative space and I hope its success continues.”

BCP Council footfall data shows visitor numbers in February 2024 were 10 per cent higher than in the same month the previous year.

According to the data, visitors are spending 31 per cent longer on average in Poole town centre than they did five years ago.

Jacqui Rock, Poole BID (Business Improvement District) lead, said: “Foundry has brought a welcome influx of entrepreneurialism to the town centre.

“It has established itself as more than a place to work and do business. It’s also a venue for networking, presentations and other events. Entrepreneurs are mixing, forging connections and strengthening the prospects for their businesses to thrive.

“Poole has become the place to be for young and upcoming businesses and the talent within them.”

Businesses within the centre have also labelled Foundry as a major reason for an increase in footfall, including Tony Brown, chief executive of NewStart 2020, which brought a Beales department store back to the Dolphin Centre. 

Tony said he has recognised business people and staff coming into his store, especially at lunchtime and said the Dolphin shopping centre has become a hub for retail, social, and health uses.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager at The Dolphin Poole said, “Foundry is a fine example of Legal & General’s new approach in reimagining space in The Dolphin Poole to benefit the local community.

“Foundry currently has 125 registered businesses regularly using its office and co-working facilities, which comprises 98% of their total capacity.

“Foundry is a great addition to The Dolphin, and there is much more to come in future.”

To find out more, visit Foundry's website.