Multi-million pound development for Lincoln
The plans have been agreed in principle by the council.
Lincolnshire Co-operative, which is behind the plans, says it will bring more jobs to the city.
The application was originally submitted in June 2008 but was amended following a public consultation.
The plans went on show at City Hall in November.
The earliest phase of work likely to commence would be a proposed new footbridge over the railway from the Tentercroft Street car park.