THE developer behind the £400million extension of Buchanan Galleries has welcomed Scottish Government backing for the scheme.

In August, the city council approved the compulsory purchase of up to 100 pieces of land necessary for the massive project to go ahead.

Some of the areas are only 5sq ft while others cover thousands of square feet.

The move needed the approval of Scottish Ministers who have now given the go-ahead meaning the project has crossed another major hurdle.

Nick Davis, development director of Land Securities which is behind the Buchanan Galleries development, said:

"This Scottish Government approval represents an important milestone in progressing the project and puts us a stage closer to commencing our £400m investment, which would create over 1500 jobs and protect Glasgow's status as the number one ranking retail centre outside of London."

The city council is responsible for implementing the compulsory purchase orders but is hoping the majority of the land can be acquired through agreement.

Council bosses said the land is necessary for the development and redevelopment - and substantial improvements to - the Buchanan Quarter area to go ahead.

A council spokesman said: "The confirmation by the Scottish Ministers of the CPO powers for the Buchanan Quarter marks another step in the planning process for the proposed expansion of the Galleries.

"While these powers may or may not be used, this confirmation does signify that - if given planning consent - the proposed works in and around the Galleries would have this option."

The extended Galleries will deliver 1.2million sq ft of shopping, leisure and restaurant space and will be anchored by two major flagship stores.

They are a new 150,000sq ft Marks and Spencer and a reconfigured 300,000sq ft John Lewis department store.

It is hoped work on the development will start in October this year with the main works getting under way in January next year and finishing around Easter 2018.

The new retail, leisure and transport hub is expected to provide a significant boost to the local and national economy.

D&D London, one of Europe's leading luxury restaurant and hotel groups, which operates in London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo will open a 10,000 sq ft restaurant.

The leisure operator signed three years ahead of opening to secure a location with rooftop views over Buchanan Street. The deal signifies the company's first venture in Scotland.

Manchester based Living Ventures Group has also chosen the Galleries to open Artisan Kitchen+Bar and The Alchemist.

The Alchemist features in-house mixologists - creating an atmosphere of cocktail theatre - with views over the roof of Queen's Street Station.

Once complete, the centre will house 100 shops, 25 restaurants and a multi-screen cinema and will be directly connected to a revamped Queen Street Station.