Aberdeen councillors are to vote on whether to put the controversial plans to transform Union Terrace Gardens out to a referendum.

Following an international design contest to raise the level of the Victorian gardens, six design teams have been selected to compete for the £140m City Garden Project.

During an earlier public consultation, 55% of respondents said they did not support the new development, but councillors backed taking the plans to the next stage.

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SNP councillor Kevin Stewart wants a public vote on whether to accept the winner of the competition, while Aberdeen oil services tycoon Sir Ian Wood, has pledged £50m of his own money for the project.

The six teams are Foster and Partners of London, Diller Scofidio and Renfro of New York, Snohetta of Oslo, Gareth Hoskins Architects of Glasgow, Gustafson Porter of London, and two from the Netherlands - Mecanoo and West 8.

If the project proceeds, Aberdeen City Council hopes construction of the square could be completed by 2016.

(JG/GK)