The application for planning permission in principle (PPiP) to Aberdeen City Council details a proposed expansion including new retail and leisure space, additional parking spaces, a 120 bedroom hotel, an expanded cinema, as well as reconfiguration of part of the centre’s existing shopping area.

As part of the proposals, options for improved vehicle access to Union Square will be brought forward to address comments received during the public consultation. If plans are approved, the retail developer hopes to start work in 2017, sustaining an estimated 1,000 construction jobs.

Last September, the public was consulted on two themes – one labelled The Granite City and its Harbour, the other Aberdeen’s Maritime Heritage. Both incorporated a new tower and glass atrium with the majority of people favouring the Maritime Heritage theme, which took its inspiration from the structure of traditional timber boats.

The PPiP application aims to set the principle of development on the site rather than the specific detail. Issue of detailed design would be addressed through additional consultation and a detailed planning application should the PPiP be approved by councillors.

Ryan Manson, General Manager at Union Square, said: “The opportunity to extend Union Square will enable us to build upon our successful track record of providing the city with new and exciting retailers and restaurants by enhancing our existing retail and leisure offer, whilst delivering the right infrastructure to support it.

“From the outset it has been vitally important to ensure our plans provide maximum benefit to not only our 16 million customers, but the wider local community. By complementing the aspirations of Aberdeen City Council’s City Centre Masterplan – which outlines the expansion of Union Square as a key ‘masterplan project’ – we believe there is a real opportunity to deliver a scheme which will provide social and economic benefits to the local community and beyond.

“It is hugely encouraging to have received strong support for the proposals, and I would like to thank the people of Aberdeen for their invaluable feedback throughout the consultation period, which has importantly helped shape our application.”