Plans have been approved for the £22 million redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens (UTG) in Aberdeen.

The council's Planning Development Management Committee unanimously agreed to green-light the scheme, which will improve access, amenity and activity while enhancing UTG's green space and heritage features.

Designed by consultancy LDA Design, features will include

• New accessible walkway route into the gardens from 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

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

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

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

The consultancy has made a number of adjustments to the original designs, allowing for any future development of the adjacent railway, while advice was also followed from Historic Environment Scotland. The amendment included realigning the UTG/Union Bridge walkway and modifying the position and appearance of the Union Street/Union Terrace building.

Cllr Marie Boulton said: "I'm delighted that the detailed planning application for Union Terrace Gardens has been approved and that Aberdeen City Council can focus on the final step – preparing to start work on the ground.

"The design promises to transform the gardens into a usable, inclusive and dynamic space that will serve generations to come. It was a vision shaped by the people and one which everybody could unite behind.

"We need to bring this flagship City Centre Masterplan project to fruition as quickly as possible so that residents and visitors can fully enjoy Aberdeen's special green heart. The regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens can drive the transformation of the whole city."

Work will now begin to appoint a contractor and construction is scheduled to start in the autumn. The target completion date is summer 2020 at the latest.

(LM/MH)