A £350m development proposal for Omagh, which could create up to 1000 jobs, has been given the go-ahead.
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The site on the Derry Road will include a hotel, retail space, offices as well as health and leisure facilities.
The proposal also includes a new link road.
It is expected to create 1000 construction jobs for a period of three years, followed by an additional 1000 permanent positions in a range of sectors and services.
The scheme has been brought forward by GML Estates.
Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said the project has the potential to really transform the local economy.
"It is not an exaggeration to state that this development is the culmination of years of hard work involving key stakeholders such as Omagh District Council and the community sector," he said.
"The decision to make such a capital injection into the area is proof of investor confidence in this region".
"I have been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the investors, who are already in the US meeting potential end users of the facilities which will be on offer in Omagh".
Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan McAleer said it offers a huge vote of confidence for the district.
"It will give hope to local people who are facing an uncertain economic future", he said.
"The location and specification of the proposed development enables it to seamlessly integrate with other major developments such as the educational campus, the arts centre, the town centre environmental improvement scheme, and the new south west college and the development will provide the final section of the riverside walkway providing a link into the town centre".
"The development will also give Omagh a much needed 'gateway site' to attract people into the town".
"This is in line with the Council commissioned 2025 Visioning framework and significantly helps us to move a step closer towards aspired city status by 2025".
However Glyn Roberts, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) chief executive, said it could actually cost jobs over five years.
"While we welcome many aspects of this application and the investment it will bring, we have serious reservations about the impact the proposed 60,000 sq ft out-of-town hypermarket will have on Omagh town centre," he said.
"I cannot understand why the Planning Service rejected similar out-of-town applications in Banbridge, Larne and Ballyclare - but not Omagh.
"It has clearly been shown in many other towns and cities the damage that out-of-town retailing does to town centres. There is clear evidence that out-of-town multiple superstores lead to a net loss of jobs within five years and the closure of town centre retailers as we have recently seen in Larne."
It is thought construction firms could be invited to tender for the project in the Autumn.
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