City's waterfront plans approved

The site will feature a city square, hotels and conference hall

A new city square, conference hotel, and five storey office block is to be built in central Stirling as part of the £110m Forthside development.

City planners voted in favour of the proposals which will transform a 40-acre waterfront site adjacent to Stirling train station.

The plans mark the second phase of the development, which currently houses a new cinema and restaurant.

A £6m bridge linking the site with the city centre is due to open this year.

Planning panel chair Alasdair MacPherson said the development would be completed using "ethical" and "sustainable" materials.

Water jets

He added: "This next phase is an important stepping stone in meeting the aspirations of what is an exciting era for our city.

"We must ensure that the development is attractive and functional; a public area that will become a social meeting and greeting place for local residents and visitors to enjoy."

Councillors agreed plans for a six-storey, 151 bedroom hotel, with a conference wing, to be located at the southern end of the site.

They hope a new city square, measuring 60 metres by 58 metres, and providing eastern access to the new bridge, will accommodate future civic events.

The square will feature water jets, a central lawn and seating area.

A new pub and restaurant, sited at an area known as the Engine Shed at the western end of the site, was also given the go ahead.

In addition, planners backed proposals to build a five-storey office complex with a carpark for up to 109 cars.

The completed development, on former Ministry of Defence land, is also expected to include more than new 200 homes.