Aberdeen City Council has approved the plans, paving the way for a project which is expected to create up to 300 permanent jobs.

F&C Reit has been given permission to build an 800-seat cinema and seven new restaurants at the city’s Bon Accord Centre.

Between 250 and 300 jobs are expected to be created when the redevelopment is completed in early 2016.

The innovative design includes the creation of a new entrance from Upperkirkgate at Drum’s Lane, leading to an external courtyard and providing access to the upper level of the mall where the new leisure area would be situated.

The plans work within the existing footprint of the Bon Accord mall at the city shopping centres.

Craig Stevenson, manager of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres, said: “Being granted planning consent is an important milestone and we look forward to moving forward and delivering a new and unique offering at Bon Accord and St Nicholas.

“We work hard to ensure we are at the forefront of the retail sector and this project will help us to lead the way with a fresh focus on leisure. Our intention is to bring a new, vibrant and high end cinema and restaurant experience to Aberdeen.”

The new cinema will be built in the disused upper floors of the Bon Accord Centre, which were home to a restaurant and indoor lawn bowling.

The redevelopment will expand the Bon Accord and nearby St Nicholas Centres’ combined 840,000sqft floorspace by around 30,000sqft.