More than £360m of new investment in retail, leisure and commercial developments in Aberdeen has helped propel the city into the top 20 UK shopping destinations for the first time.

More than £360m of new investment in retail, leisure and commercial developments in Aberdeen has helped propel the city into the top 20 UK shopping destinations for the first time.

It has been ranked 17th in Retail Week's definitive listing, which is compiled by Experian.

The rankings take into consideration demographics, key streets and centres, new developments and forecasts for the next 10 years.

The scale of investment underlines the region's resilience in the face of economic downturn. As well as new retail names, there is to be a 25% increase in hotel accommodation, with the addition of 757 rooms.

Karen Millen will open in the city in May 2009 and Coast, Oasis, Warehouse and Top Shop have all announced expansion of their existing stores in the city's Bon Accord and St Nicholas centres.

Rita Stephen, development manager of the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum, said: "The property, hotel and retail sectors are continuing to hold, and the fact that investment in these sectors is remaining strong also has a positive impact on our construction industry.

"The new developments will really strengthen the region's appeal, making Aberdeen city and shire even more attractive as a tourist destination and for those choosing to live and work here."