Union Terrace Gardens plan approved after site visit

Councillors have approved a major redevelopment of Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens after a site visit.

The £25m proposals include new walkways, an amphitheatre, a play area, cafe, and refurbished toilets.

Officials recommended that councillors approve the application but the ruling was delayed.

This was to allow the development management committee to visit the site on Wednesday morning, and it was then unanimously approved.

Glasgow-based LDA Designs already had outline planning permission for the work to regenerate the sunken gardens.

Planning development management committee convener Marie Boulton said: "The design promises to transform the gardens into a usable, inclusive and dynamic space that will serve generations to come.

"The regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens can drive the transformation of the whole city."

The next move is to appoint a contractor, with work expected to start in the autumn.

The target completion date is by summer 2020.