A preferred bidder has been named for the development of the former Aberdeen City Council headquarters site.

The Council has selected Muse Developments as the preferred choice.

Their plans for the redevelopment include comprising linked buildings, of which the tallest would be 10-storeys.

Preference for the site is for a mix of hotel, offices, restaurants and retail space, while there would also be a small civic square. Broad Street in the city would also be pedestrianised as part of the proposals.

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A public consultation lasting 12 weeks will now be undertaken before any planning application is submitted.

Council leader Barney Crockett said: "We promised a modest civic square and this exciting development will deliver that and more, creating a lively new public space in the heart of the city."

Muse is said to aim its completion of the build during 2016, to coincide with Aberdeen's hope of being named UK City of Culture 2017.

More than 1,000 council staff were moved from the 14-storey St Nicholas House to the newly-refurbished Marischal College building in 2011.

(JP/CD)