The final hurdle has been overcome for plans to expand the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness.
Highland Council have formally signed off planning permission for the extension, which will include a new cinema and restaurants.
Members of the authority’s south planning committee unanimously backed the multi-million expansion back in June – and planners gave their final seal of approval earlier this week by signing off the final conditions for the development.
Management at the Eastgate remained tight-lipped on what happens next – but it is understood that work could now start on the site later this year.
The centre have previously said that they had received “significant interest” from potential operators for the newly created units.
City centre bosses welcomed the confirmation that work can now get underway at the shopping mall.
Mike Smith, manager of Inverness Bid said he was “delighted” by the news.
He added: “It is very good news for the city centre.
“We feel strongly that such a development would be welcome in Inverness and it will attract further investment to the city.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “There is a lot going on in Inverness and this will be a major piece of the jigsaw.
“We are very supportive of investment, whether it is in the city centre or the retail parks, but this is particularly welcome as the Eastgate has been a central part of the town for a number of years now.
“We think this will be an innovative addition to the retail and entertainment mix in Inverness.”
The centre have been asked to donate £160,000 for the regeneration of Academy Street as part of the conditions.
Eastgate have also committed to redeveloping Falcon Square with improved bus shelters and transport links.
As part of the plans, centre owners F&C Reit plans to extend part of the Eastgate 30ft out into Falcon Square, while making the building 23ft higher. It will host an eight-screen cinema, seating 1,100 people.
The major new leisure complex will include no fewer than five restaurants.