Perth & Kinross Council has agreed with Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) to invest over £3.5m to bring new shops and jobs to Perth City Centre over the coming year.

An extension to the St John's Shopping Centre is already being redeveloped to accommodate a new store for fashion retailer H&M, along with an expansion of a River Island store.

The new River Island store could open its doors by July 2013, while H&M are expected to open in the autumn.

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It is expected that the developments could generate up to 40 new jobs.

Council Leader Councillor Miller said: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Perth and testament to the ongoing work of the Council to make Perth a vibrant city and an attractive shopping destination. Working jointly with USS, we have been able to secure major high street names, which will add variety to our retail offering and attract a wider range of shoppers. This in turn will benefit all of our city centre businesses and encourage further investment.

"The decision by these high profile retailers to locate in Perth shows a renewed confidence in what we have to offer, following the award of city status. This is just the beginning of a programme of restoration and modernisation supported by the Council, which will make Perth one of the top shopping destinations in Scotland."

(IT)