A plan to knock down part of Nottingham city centre and build a massive shopping centre has been approved by city planners.

The owners of Broadmarsh want to triple the size of the shopping centre and are investing �400m.

It will see much of the current centre, the bus station and the Arndale car park - voted one of Nottingham's ugliest buildings - bulldozed.

In their place will rise a three-storey centre with two department stores, a supermarket, shop units and a foodcourt.

There will also be a transport exchange which will have a walkway link between a new bus station and the tram system which is being built.

The site covers about 25 acres within Nottingham city centre from the current centre in the north to Canal Street in the south.

The new centre will open vistas in the city

It extends from Maid Marian Way in the west to Shortwood Close and Cliff Road in the east beyond the new tram viaduct.

Peter Miller, development director for Broadmarsh owners Westfield, said the planning approval was an important "milestone" for the new centre.

"The redevelopment of Broadmarsh will provide an impressive southern gateway to the city.

"It will also help restore the pedestrian links from the revitalised canal side to the vibrant, urban atmosphere of the Lace Market and other key attractions."

The plans were given outline planning permission at a city council meeting on Wednesday night.

They will need to go forward to the Government Office for the East Midlands for final approval.