Fresh images have been released showing how a shopping centre in Aberdeen could look if plans for a major expansion are approved.
The owners of the Bon Accord Centre have applied for planning permission in principle to add 9,500sq ft of new space onto the site which would include shops, food outlets, hotels and office space.
The images, released by Allan Murray Architects, show how George Street could be transformed with new buildings and how a new nine metre-wide pedestrian route could be created on Loch Street.
Under the proposals the existing Santander and Co-Operative buildings would be demolished and replaced by shops and hotels.
Developers BMO Real Estate Partners have already been given permission to build a £2.2million cinema in the empty bowling hall in the centre.
Joanne Wilkes, the head of in-town retail at the firm, said the plans would create an “overarching benefit”.
She said: “We are very excited about the proposals, which have the potential to transform an important and iconic area within the historic retail heart of the city.
“The plans have the overarching benefit of conforming with the recently adopted local development plan and the vision of the city centre masterplan, and have the potential to make a significant contribution to the retail and floor space growth identified within the council’s retail capacity studies.
“Alongside new and exciting potential retail uses, the application allows for a mix of other possible uses, which combine to deliver exactly the kind of city centre first retail investment, which has been identified as paramount within local and national planning policy.”
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson also welcomed the plans, saying they would have a “positive knock-on effect.”
He said: “The masterplan will bring a transformation of the city centre and it is great to see this project move forward, as it will play an important part in regenerating this area if plans are approved.
“This significant investment will go a long way to enhancing the George Street area and also have a positive knock-on effect in terms of attracting new businesses and of course, visitors to the heart of our city.”
