WORK on the £300million extension to Buchanan Galleries could begin next year.

City councillors have approved in principle a scheme that will double the size of the existing mall and remove the Concert Hall steps at the top of Buchanan Street, which will be replaced with a glass atrium dubbed a "jeelie jar".

The dramatic new structure at the junction of Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street has not yet been designed but councillors were shown an artist's impression of how it might look.

It will provide access into both the massive new shopping centre and to the Royal Concert Hall.

Gallery bosses say the 65,000sq m extension will include a multiplex cinema, more than 15 new restaurants and a 1700-space car park at Queen Street station.

They have still to apply for detailed planning permission but it is possible work will start after the Commonwealth Games next year.

Green councillor Nina Baker failed in a bid to persuade the planning committee to save the Concert Hall steps.

She said: "The loss of the steps will be a great loss to the liveliness of the Buchanan Quarter."

The bosses of the St Enoch Centre, at the other end of Buchanan Street, objected to the Buchanan Galleries' extension, claiming it would result in a delay to their own expansion plans.

Councillor Liz Cameron said: "I am well aware of disquiet in a small number of quarters but I think this extension takes us to another level and should compliment what will be happening at St Enoch Square."

Buchanan Galleries is a joint venture between Land Securities and Henderson Global Investors.

Nick Davis, development director retail at Land Securities, said: "We are delighted to have been granted outline planning approval to progress our exciting plans to extend Buchanan Galleries."

Chris Pyne, director of shopping centres at Henderson Global investors, said: "We are confident the plans will encourage further investment from national and international brands alike."

After the decision to grant the scheme, council leader Gordon Matheson, said: "This development is a massive investment and tremendous vote of confidence in our city and its residents.

"Glasgow's challenge is to create and maintain a business-friendly climate which encourages investment to pour in and jobs to be created.

"I am in no doubt this will encourage other businesses and developers to look to our city as the place to do business."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk