Moves to revamp the Highlands’ biggest shopping centre could start later this year after plans to create three new restaurants were revealed.
One of the main entrances to the Eastgate Centre in Inverness will be transformed under the proposals.
The new scheme, which is now being examined by Highland Council planners, is the first phase of a project to create a new multiplex cinema at the site.
The multimillion-pound plans were approved by Highland Council’s south area planning committee last year.
Now the centre hopes to accelerate their expansion plans through talks to relocate the Monsoon store, which fronts onto Falcon Square.
Three new restaurants would be created within that building, each with an entrance on the square, meaning that they will stay open later than the shopping centre itself.
And tables and chairs will be provided outside, creating al fresco dining areas.
While no operators have been confirmed, centre manager Jackie Cuddy said that around five companies had shown interest in taking over an outlet.
She declined to identify the firms, however it is though that they could be similar to those hoping to open diners at the Inverness Retail Park.
Nando’s, TGI Fridays and Frankie and Benny’s are currently associated with plans at the out-of-town site.
Mrs Cuddy said that talks were underway to move Monsoon from their store fronting Falcon Square to a vacant shop on the ground floor beside flagship store, Debenhams.
She said that the closure of the Mamas and Papas store meant that the centre would no longer need to build outward onto the square, as detailed in their previous plans.
Mrs Cuddy said: “It means that we could start the restaurant development right away. It will be fantastic.
But the cinema scheme could still be a couple of years away.
Mrs Cuddy said: “I think there will be a knock-on effect for the High Street and the night-time economy.”
The move comes as another new diner prepares to open within the shopping centre.
Ed’s Easy Diner will launch on April 20 in a unit in the main shopping centre.
And the Yankee Candle shop also opened this week.
The centre was put up for sale by its owners F&C Reit last month. The company took it over in 2013 in a £250million deal.
Mrs Cuddy said that there has already been interest from large financial institutions.