The redevelopment of an "eyesore" in Glasgow city centre has been cleared after a ruling by the House of Lords.
Five Law Lords unanimously cleared Glasgow City Council of exceeding its powers by appointing Atlas Investments Ltd as the sole developer.
Lord Brown said: "It seems to me a very great pity that this desperately needed redevelopment has been held up for so many years."
The site is bounded by Buchanan Street and Bath Street.
Atlas rivals Standard Commercial Property Securities Ltd claimed the council had failed to secure best value.
Lord Brown said: "In my judgment there has never been any question here of Glasgow proposing to sell public assets at an undervalue."
Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "I'm delighted that after seven long years of protracted legal battles that the Law Lords have ruled in our favour.
"The site is an eyesore which has blighted the outstanding regeneration of Buchanan Street.
"Now we can move forward and complete the world-class redevelopment of Scotland's prime shopping street."