In addition to new retail and leisure space, there are plans for additional parking spaces and a hotel. Expansion of Union Square will also be complemented by a reconfiguration of part of the existing shopping area.

A proposal of application notice has been lodged with Aberdeen City Council, with public exhibitions due to be held next month, before a detailed application is submitted by the end of the year.

General manager Ryan Manson said: “Since opening its doors in 2009, Union Square has firmly established itself not only as a central part of Aberdeen City Centre, but also a leading name in Scottish retail. We have consistently brought new and exciting brands to customers in the north east and the proposed expansion plans will allow us to continue to do so in future.

​“As a key investor and employer in the City, it is important to ensure our plans provide maximum benefit to our customers and the local community. The Council’s City Centre Masterplan provides us with a framework to ensure that we are delivering a plan which will not just benefit the region economically, but also enhance this inspirational destination for the Aberdeen community.

​“We are delighted to be in a position to expand our offer and to promote Aberdeen as a regional retail destination further afield.”

​​Mr Manson added: “The views of the local public are very important to us and we encourage anyone with an interest in this proposal to come along to one of our public exhibitions to hear about these plans in more detail and importantly provide us with their feedback.”

Detailed plans seen by the Press and Journal suggest the expansion will cost £200 million and include a new Imax cinema. It reports that the developer hopes to start work on the extension by early 2017, with completion pencilled in for spring 2019.