BUSINESSES in Poole are reporting growing momentum into 2026 with 5 million trips made to the town centre during the winter period.

Returning visitors have more than doubled year on year with the likes of Poole Museum, Lush, spectacular light installations and the ever-popular Poole Quay Bath Tub Race pulling in crowds.

There has been increased investment; vacancy rates in Poole’s town centre are less than half the national average at just 8% with big name brands and independent traders creating a thriving offering for residents and visitors.

Leader of BCP Council Cllr Millie Earl said: “As someone who was proudly born in Poole – and still calls it home – it’s fantastic to see our town shining brightly.

“Poole is an incredible place, filled with remarkable people, and a huge amount to celebrate.

“It’s brilliant to see so many visitors enjoyed the best of what we have to offer over the winter period.

“Working with partners, including Poole BID, and businesses gives us a really solid foundation to continue that momentum throughout the course of 2026 and ensure Poole remains a place everyone can be as proud as I am to call their home.”

Recent initiatives from Poole BID have helped to deliver enhancements to the area with the introduction of Dusty – the BID’s chief cleanliness officer – clearing graffiti and keeping streets tidy.

Improved multi-agency work, led and funded by Poole BID, aims to deliver a safer, stronger town with a more connected and reassuring presence from Dorset Police’s neighbourhood policing team, BCP Council’s CSAS officers and Poole BID’s security staff.

Chief executive of Poole BID Jacqui Rock said: “We’re especially proud that Poole’s vacancy rate – reflecting the hard work Poole BID does to support businesses and attract new traders, helped by the great spirit across the town.

“We’re focused on keeping Poole welcoming, vibrant and thriving into 2026 and beyond.”

New jobs are being created and protected through ongoing investment – with the RNLI previously announcing their intention to move all shipbuilding to Poole from 2027, fresh proposals from Loungers and a long-term contract for Rockley Watersports at Poole Park.

Lush has opened a standalone hair salon along the Quay – delivering enduring investment in the surrounding area from one of Poole’s most iconic businesses.

Lush haircare category and Hairlab lead Daisy Evans said: “Bringing the Lush HairLab to Poole feels like a real homecoming.

“This town is where Lush was born and where our products are still made fresh by hand just around the corner, so to now have a HairLab here feels like we’re really going back to our roots.”

Bailey Bakes, a coffee and bakes trailer near the RNLI slipway, has fast become a local favourite and has reported a bumper end to 2025.

Owner Mia Bailey said: “The past year has been a significant success – demonstrating strong local support and continued growth.

“My business began as a small community space, providing a place for fishermen to unwind after returning from sea. Since then it has helped bring the “east end of the Quay back to life” and is now widely supported by both Poole residents and returning visitors alike.”