Developer Scoop AM has been granted planning permission to subdivide all three floors of the premises, which closed in 2021 after Debenhams went into administration, into five units.

The planning permission allows the internal layout of the former department store to be altered to include two new stores, a basement gym, food hall and, on the first floor, a family entertainment centre.

The proposed food hall will provide seating for approximately 250 people and the family entertainment centre will provide facilities such as soft play, trampolines, mini golf, laser quest and a ball pit.

Thistles Centre director Gary Turnbull said: “We are delighted to have had our plans conditionally approved by Stirling Council, which is an important step in our journey to improving the experience on offer to visitors of Thistles, Stirling.

“We are now awaiting building warrant approval to allow us to begin work on the site and once granted we will be able to share further details including expected opening times.”

A report into the application concluded that National Planning Framework 4 and the Stirling Local Development Plan 2018 both supported retail and food and drink, as well as commercial leisure developments that would generate footfall, such as a family entertainment centre and gym.

It also concluded the new use for the site would assist in increasing the vitality and viability of Stirling city centre.

In their decision, council planners said: “Since the food hall is to be accessed solely from the Marches Mall and the new smaller retail units will be accessed solely from the King’s Mall, customers will no longer have the ability to access either the King’s Mall or Marches Mall through the unit.

“It is noted that this unit has remained empty for a number of years. An occupier for this large unit has not emerged over the years, which is perhaps reflective of the wider change in retail shopping patterns. It is considered that a period of time has passed without any commercial interest in utilising a unit of this scale and that a vacant unit remaining in the city centre does not enhance the area. This proposal allows for the retention of some retail floor space over smaller units which are more consistent with market demand.

“It is considered that the inclusion of a gym and a family entertainment facility will broaden the range of attractions available within the city centre, will occupy a vacant unit which will, in turn, add to the vitality and viability of the area.

“The proposal will not result in any external alterations, there are no nearby residents that will be adversely affected and overall the proposal is considered to comply with the policies of the Development Plan.”