Several independent retailers opened their doors for the first time in Poole with the official launch of Kingland.

The Dolphin Centre’s new shopping district has brought together some of Dorset’s most innovative young entrepreneurs to create the town centre retail development.

Each retailer has been handpicked to create a diverse selection of independent brands.

Spearheaded by Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (Legal & General), all retailers benefit from no rent or business rates to be paid for the first two years.

The stores which opened from Monday, April 12, include:

• HUX Custom Surfboards and Café – Custom surfboard and repair shop with cafe
• Grounded Coffee – Coffee shop with an on-site roaster
• PEN Gallery – Contemporary art gallery with additional store space for a curated mix of local artists and makers
• Restored Retro – Mid-century modern restored furniture shop
• Wild Roots – Houseplants and interiors specialists
• Paintshop Studio – Creative design studio
• Ten Foot Naked – Zero waste grocery store
• Greenslade Fishmonger – Family business
• ånd Fragrance – Perfumer Simon Constantine (previously of Lush Cosmetics)

Opening later in the month is:

• Viper Gin – Gin bar and shop

Denz Ibrahim, pictured right, Head of Retail and Futuring at LGIM Real Assets, said: “We are really pleased to finally launch.

“After the many delays faced as a result of the pandemic, our locals can now enjoy and experience Kingland.

“It’s great to see the hard-work and exciting plans come to fruition.”

Hope Dean, Director of new store Wild Roots, pictured, said: “Since getting the keys to my shop at Kingland it’s been such a rollercoaster.

“I’m so excited to meet everyone in person that has purchased from us already through our click and collect service and to share everything that I’ve been working on behind the scenes.”

Emma Rowland, Director of Pen Gallery, added: “This is such a unique initiative to be part of ­– to be opening a business amidst a pandemic – and I feel very lucky to be given this incredible opportunity.”

The redevelopment of Kingland Crescent is the first step in Legal & General’s long-term plans for the area which will see innovation and investment in the neighbouring Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Within the next 12 months, further units are set to open at the brand-new high street as part of the scheme’s next phase.

Legal & General is to also develop a street market at Kingland which will comprise 20 independent vendors.

Additionally, plans are already in progress to bring an annual programme of 300 local events to the new retail space.

The neighbouring Dolphin Shopping Centre will extend its opening hours to aid the reopening of non-essential retail.

The centre will open 7.30am – 7:30pm, Mondays – Fridays, and 8am – 6.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays.

The extended times will be in place from April 12 until Friday, April 23 2021.

The opening hours will then resume to 8am – 6.30pm daily.

Shoppers are encouraged to check each retailer’s website for their individual opening hours including Kongland.