Aberdeen City Gardens project takes step forward

A project to transform Aberdeen city centre, potentially spelling the end of the historic Union Terrace Gardens, has taken a step forward.

Funding of £400,000 to help fund the next stages in the City Gardens development has been secured from the Wood Family Trust.

The next stages include an international design competition.

Oil services tycoon Sir Ian Wood is pledging £50m of his own money to the project.

Opinion in Aberdeen has been divided over the proposals.

During a public consultation process, 55% of respondents said they did not want the new square.

Last May, Aberdeen councillors backed plans for the redevelopment.

The council hopes construction of the square will be completed by 2016, if all goes to plan.