Its expansion plan includes a new department store at the western end of the mall as well as a new arena for ice skating, concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

The new scheme, which would create 2,000 construction jobs, will see access to the Clyde improved, cafés and a 200-bed hotel.

The plans also include an integrated transport interchange for buses and to facilitate the Fastlink service, which is planned to extend from Glasgow Southern General Hospital to Braehead and Renfrew.

Peter Beagley, regional centre director for CSC, said: “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.”