The flagship City Centre Masterplan project aims to transform the Victorian gardens into a usable and inclusive space by improving access, amenity and activity.

The design includes a new walkway from Union Street, landscaping and lighting, pavilions on Union Street, Union Terrace and Rosemount Viaduct, and the refurbishment of the Union Terrace arches.

Potential contractors have been invited to attend an event at the Town House on Thursday (June 14) to learn more about the project ahead of a tender being published.

The move follows the grant of a petition by the Court of Session allowing the council to use Common Good land for the building of the pavilions.

Councillor Marie Boulton, lead on the City Centre Masterplan, said: “The Masterplan vision respects UTG’s heritage while transforming it into a 21st Century green space.

“It’s tremendously exciting to have a reached the point where we can share detailed plans with potential contractors.

“We are now very close to seeing work start on the ground and transforming Aberdeen’s heart in line with the wishes of the community.”

Bids for the work will be brought back to the council for consideration and a detailed programme would be drawn up when a contractor is appointed.

Award-winning consultancy LDA Design was appointed in autumn 2016 to develop plans based on the Masterplan vision.

Feedback gathered during a public engagement exercise in December 2016 helped inform the detailed design.

The project was granted detailed planning in March this year.