HAMMERSON, the listed shopping mall specialist, has signalled its ambition to spend £200 million extending its Union Square development in Aberdeen.

The company has submitted a proposal of application notice to Aberdeen City Council for its expansion plans.

A planning application, due to follow later this year, will include proposals for new retail and leisure space, as well as a hotel and additional parking, Hammerson said.

Ryan Manson, general manager of Union Square, 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."

Hammerson recently completed the £35m extension of its Silverburn mall, which added a 14-screen Cineworld complex and a host of new restaurants to the centre near Glasgow in June.