Highland Council is to consider plans for the expansion of the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, including a cinema and up to 220 jobs - 120 permanent jobs and a further 100 during the building work.
The Eastgate shopping centre wants to add an extra floor to the complex and expand out into Falcon Square to accommodate new cafes and restaurants. The construction is expected to tale twelve months.
Business leaders have welcomed the Eastgate proposals, while owner F&C REIT said the investment demonstrated its commitment and belief in Inverness as a growing city.
“The face of shopping centres is changing with so many people shopping on line and it is important that centres have a fusion of retail and leisure to attract customers,” said Spencer Gower, F&C’s asset manager.
“The visitor experience is becoming more and more important, particularly in Inverness where tourism is so important.”