The intricate item, which dates back more than a century and displays the signs of the zodiac, was removed from the A-listed building four years ago for repairs.

A campaign the sphere gathered 4700 signatures and the City of Edinburgh Council gave Topshop owner Arcadia an enforcement order requiring it to reinstate the structure by March 15 this year.

On Tuesday, a week before the deadline, the retail giant pledged to restore the sphere.

A spokeswoman for the retailer said: “Topshop can confirm that the Forsyth Sphere restoration process has now begun. An updated programme with relevant dates will be released to the local council.”

Campaigner David McLean, who runs the Lost Edinburgh website, said Arcadia needed to ensure it honours Edinburgh’s culture and heritage.

He added: “They own an A-listed building, they have got to maintain it. They removed its crown - it’s been gone for four years.”

A spokeswoman for the city council said it would take action if Arcadia did not comply with the order.

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