Plans have gone on display for a new £20 million regeneration project in Aberdeen.

Proposals for the revitalisation of Union Terrace Gardens (UTG) have been unveiled along with the launch of a public engagement exercise, which will run until 09 December.

The development is a key part of the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) project.

The plans, which were drawn up by landscape consultancy LDA Design, include:

• New accessible walkway route into the gardens from Union Street and lift access into the lower level of the gardens through a new entrance building on Union Street

• Lift access from Union Terrace into the upper level of the gardens through a new entrance building on Union Terrace at the existing Burns Monument

• New disabled parking spaces on Union Terrace directly adjacent to the new accessible walkway routes into the gardens

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• Retaining the central lawn space as a flexible space for large scale gathering and events, and a new entrance plaza opposite His Majesty's Theatre to accommodate smaller scale events

• Reinstating the ‘grand staircase' as a central part of the new accessible route into the gardens from Rosemount Viaduct

• Retaining maximum number of existing trees as possible

If approved, the project will be funded by the City Centre Masterplan budget. Completion is scheduled for 2019.

City Council leader Jenny Laing said: "I am delighted with the proposals that LDA Design has brought forward for Union Terrace Gardens as part of our City Centre Masterplan.

"LDA was tasked with improving access, amenity and activity while conserving UTG's rich heritage – what residents asked for during a consultation on the Masterplan itself.

"These proposals respect the unique character of the Gardens while making the space more usable for all. I would urge all residents to share their views so the LDA can refine the design and ensure we get the best result for everyone."

Feedback gathered from the public exhbition will be used to draw up further detailed plans for UTG. A report is scheduled to go before the council in March 2017.

Neil Mattinson, Board Director, LDA Design, said: "The community's ongoing participation is key to the success of the Gardens.

"We have taken on board a wide range of views and challenges identified by locals. We will continue to take on board views to inform the detailed development of proposals which we will work on in the New Year."

To view the engagement survey, visit here.

(LM/CD)