A new £70M retail development in Glasgow’s city centre has been launched today by deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Buchanan Quarter development, on Buchanan Street, Glasgow’s main shopping street, has attracted some of the UK's biggest retail chains as well as American clothing brand Forever 21 – the first of its stores in Scotland.

Iconic sports company Vans is opening its first Scottish store at the new site opposite Buchanan Galleries alongside fat face, Paperchase, Skechers, Office, Watches of Switzerland, Evans Cycles and Gap.

The development has created more than 200 retail jobs and transformed the site on Glasgow's busiest shopping street, at a time when many other high street have been closing.

As well as on-street development of nine prime shops, 49 luxury apartments are also being built into the development to form Buchanan Gardens.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Ongoing investment in large-scale retail projects like this one here on Buchanan Street helps to ensure sustainable economic growth for Scotland.

"Not only do projects like these provide a welcome boost to the construction sector, they also provide much needed training and employment opportunities for young people in our communities.

"This government is using every lever at its disposal to invest in infrastructure and get our economy moving. We are on track to invest £3.1 billion in this year alone and support investment of more than £10bn over the spending review period."

Naomi Howard, leasing manager at developer Land Securities, said: "Glasgow loves fashion and shopping so we were thrilled when such exciting retail names like Forever 21 and Vans shared our confidence, choosing Glasgow to debut their first Scottish stores.

"This development strengthens Glasgow’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier retail destinations and truly enhances the shopping experience for people from Glasgow and beyond."

The launch of 185-221 Buchanan Street is part of the wider Buchanan Quarter vision to strengthen the shopping, residential and leisure heart in Glasgow city centre.