A major expansion of new shops, a hotel, restaurants and flats is being lined up for the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen.

Owners BMO Real Estate Partners, who also own the St Nicholas centre, have submitted a pre-application notice for a large-scale extension of the current site which would increase the size of the centre out towards George Street by 10,760 sq ft.

A consultation will be held within the Bon Accord Centre on Thursday, August 18, between 4pm and 8pm to ask members of the public what they would like to see as part of an expansion.

Joanne Wilkes, head of in town retail at the firm, said plans are at an early stage.

She said: “We have recently submitted a proposal of application notice with Aberdeen City Council.

“This is a first stage and very general planning notice, confirming that we are hoping to continue our investment in the centres, and that we are looking at a range of potential ideas.

“Bon Accord and St Nicholas play a pivotal role in the retail heart of the city, and we are embarking on a public consultation programme to speak with, and more importantly listen to, as many local people and customers as possible, to hear their thoughts on where we can enhance the centres and the overall shopping and entertainment experience.

“We have written to local residents inviting them to our first consultation event on August 18, and will be advertising the event again nearer the time.”

The expansion plans were first discussed back in 2014, with a luxury cinema among the ideas on the table.