It will take two years to complete the proposed transformation of the Wellgate Centre, its developers have revealed.
There will also have to be changes to the current layout of Central Library.
One of the key elements of the proposals is the creation of an eight-screen cinema and the plans submitted to the council show this occupying a large area of the centre close to the Victoria Road entrance.
There will be a new three-storey entrance at the Murraygate end.
Property firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), who are acting for fund management company Orchard Street, have drawn up a supporting statement for the planning application.
In it they say the aim is to significantly improve the Wellgate’s retail and leisure offer.
The statement explains: “In line with other city and town centres the Wellgate has experienced pressures in recent years from out-of-town facilities and from new retail facilities elsewhere in the city centre.”
This had resulted in more empty shops and meant the centre had to seize the chance to improve its retail offer and find other uses to attract customers.
JLL said the 900 customer-capacity cinema would offer an alternative to the current out-of-town multiscreens.
It would occupy levels three and four, with levels one and two focusing on shops.
The firm said talks were under way with the city council about the changes to the library.
“The library facilities will remain operational during the construction phase of the proposed development and the end result will be to retain the library as a community focus within the Wellgate.
“The approach will provide a suitable configuration to accommodate the proposed cinema as well as a reconfigured space to accommodate the library in an improved and more efficient and effective manner.”
The Victoria Road entrance will also be remodelled, although not on the same scale as the Murraygate end, which will have a new facade added.
While the work is under way, some changes will be needed to vehicle and pedestrian routes.
Drivers will have to be barred from using the slip road off North Marketgait to enter the car park.
The footway running along the eastern side of the centre will also be closed, although the Victoria Road and Murraygate entrances will remain open for pedestrians, with appropriate signs and fencing to keep them away from construction areas.
JLL said the project was an “ideal opportunity” to reinforce the Wellgate’s role within the city and enhance Dundee as a shopping and leisure destination.