The proposal was approved at a Full Council meeting and comes in the wake of the announcement of the McGinty’s Group as chosen operator for the market. The site was previously occupied by a BHS store on Union Street and the old market on The Green and Market Street.

The next steps will see the ongoing processing of a revised planning application which takes into account a modified design for the market which will allow for more open space on The Green and more feature landscaping and lighting.

It is also anticipated that permanent hoarding around the site will be in place over the coming weeks once some snagging works are completed by the demolition contractor allowing for enabling works such as the demolition of the BHS store concrete façade.

Work is also ongoing so that the design is now progressed to meet the agreed dates for work packages and tender inquiries with the aim of having a site construction start in place by early 2024.

Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Today’s report, on the back of the naming of a local operator, marks another milestone for the creation of the city’s new market and the reinvigoration of the city centre as we seek to attract more people into the traditional heart of Aberdeen.

“We are looking to progress the project as soon as possible. It will create not only an indoor food market but also an inviting and spacious outdoor area which can host events and draw more visitors to the historic Green.”

Co-leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “The development of the new market will make a real difference in transforming Aberdeen’s city centre. It will also provide both a unique shopping destination and a social hub that will play a key part in restoring Union Street as the heart of Aberdeen.”

The next stages for the redevelopment of Queen Street, including the creation of a new urban park at its heart, have also been approved.

The new park will be developed through public engagement and could provide a community orchard, gardens, an event space and green terraces. The site is next to the former Police Scotland HQ, which is earmarked for a refit or rebuild for new uses that could include residential or office use.

The project was one of a shortlist of five options for the area provided in an outline business case discussed and approved at yesterday’s Full Council meeting.

The decision to transform the area to include a new urban park was based on a number of criteria aligning with the council’s City Centre Masterplan including the stimulation economic growth via increased footfall, affordability and the contribution of a new green space to the authority’s Net Zero ambitions.

Officers will now undertake further steps towards progressing the new park including stakeholder consultation and engagement to inform the design. Progress on the development of a more detailed business case for redevelopment of the former Police HQ will be presented to councillors in December. Work to strip out redundant internal fixtures, fittings and asbestos removal from the former Police HQ will also start in the coming months.

Councillor Michael Hutchison, Aberdeen City Council’s City Centre spokesman, said: “I am delighted that we have taken the next step towards creating an Urban Park in Queen Street – improving both the quality and the amount of green space in our city centre.

“This is an opportunity to improve active travel routes, better link up our city centre, and make this part of our city a bit greener.

“Alongside the council’s wider plans for the city centre, we will make our city a more attractive destination and a better place to live, work and grow-up.”

Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “The park at Queen Street will be the first completely new park in Aberdeen in many years. This new green space in our city centre will play a key part in the transformation of the city centre and beach areas into places that an increasing number of people will wish to live, play and do business in.”