Proposals rubber-stamped by the local authority include a new public square, surrounded by a state-of-the-art sports arena and hotel at intu Braehead, with work set to get under way next year.

The £2m extension will see a department store, shops, cafes and restaurants built, served by a dedicated transport hub, connecting the mall with Paisley and Glasgow by Fastlink bus. There will also be improved cycling and walking routes.

The mall’s owners claim the development could bring 3,000 retail and leisure jobs to the area, with an extra 2,000 construction jobs created during the building phase.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “We welcome the investment by intu Braehead in a £200m enhancement of the existing complex, which is expected to create 3,000 new jobs based here in Renfrewshire “Ultimately one of the key priorities of this council is to create employment opportunities for local residents.

“This is why we pushed for Braehead be given town centre status in our Local Development Plan, as that has helped the area to attract this multi-million-pound investment and create jobs on this scale.

“Braehead has already driven a transformation of the Clyde waterfront area over the past 15 years, and we expect this development will strengthen that regeneration process further, with substantial benefits for the wider Renfrewshire economy.” “Of course when considering an application like this we have to carefully weigh up the impact on other town centres around the area.” A two-day consultation held at the end of August 2012 gathered feedback from over 800 shoppers, local community leaders and retailers - with 93 per cent of respondents in favour of the extension.

Jacqui Taylor, 34, a shop assistant at the centre, believes the development would be a boost for the area. She said: “I’m from Renfrew myself and think the town could really benefit from more here at Braehead. At the time of the consultation the whole centre was buzzing with excitement, it was all the customers could talk about.

“It would be nice to have something else that would bring people into Renfrew.” The plans also include a significant upgrade to public transport facilities, with the creation of a new interchange for buses and the proposed Fastlink bus service between Braehead, Renfrew and Glasgow.

Peter Beagley, regional centre director for CSC, also commented: “This will be one of the biggest private investment projects in Scotland for a long time.

“With planning consent, we will be creating thousands of jobs at a time of economic downturn and it will be a boost not only to Renfrewshire, but also to the wider West of Scotland economy.

“We would hope that the new jobs being created at Braehead will particularly help young people find employment and get their feet on the career ladder.” Councillor Macmillan continued: “This complements the £1.1billion Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal, which will see a new river crossing between Renfrew and Yoker, as well as a Glasgow Airport investment zone and rail link.

“Plus, the inclusion of the Fastlink bus scheme and a new transportation hub in the application will mean improvements to the public transport walking and cycling network in the Renfrew and Ferry Village area.”