Aberdeen council meeting supports City Gardens project

If the plan goes ahead it could be completed by 2016

A special Aberdeen City Council meeting to discuss the possible scrapping of the controversial City Gardens project has seen support continue.

The project aims to transform Aberdeen city centre, potentially spelling the end of the historic Union Terrace Gardens.

Councillors backed continuing to support the project ahead of an international design competition.

The contest will come to an end later this year.

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

However, last May councillors backed taking the plans to the next stage.

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

The council hopes construction of the square will be completed by 2016 if the plan proceeds.