Developers BMO Real Estate Partners’ planned extension of the Bon Accord Centre to George Street would encompass nearly 9,500sq ft of shops, offices and restaurants and food outlets.

There is also potential for a hotel, flats and serviced apartments.

One of the artists’ impressions which went on display at a public exhibition in August showed a glass roof covering the George Street entrance.

The timetable agreed with Aberdeen City Council planners will see the final application lodged by March 31.

Joanne Wilkes, head of in-town retail at BMO Real Estate Partners, said: “Today’s agreement with city council officers on the planning application processing timetable is an important step forward for our proposals.

“These have the potential to transform and revitalise the George Street area within the historic heart of the city. We are committed to the vision of the city centre masterplan – to support and actively encourage a vibrant and sustainable city centre economy.

“And our proposals will significantly help to deliver on that vision by providing new and exciting retail, business and leisure space in the heart of the city.

“We are also continuing to develop a partnership with the city council on the potential to improve the pedestrian environment at Upperkirkgate/Schoolhill.

“And we have been progressing discussions with the council’s city centre masterplan team and Scottish Futures Trust to explore future collaborations to help to deliver George Street and other key city centre improvement initiatives.

“Our plans have received tremendous support from local people and key stakeholders through our various consultation events, and we look forward to working with them as our application progresses through the planning process.”

It is expected city planners will make a decision on the scheme by late July.