Long-debated plans to redevelop the site of Aberdeen City Council’s former headquarters have been approved, with developer Muse’s £107m scheme being given the green light after a council vote.

The Marischal Square revamp features the construction of a combination of offices, shops, restaurants and a hotel, with approval being granted this week after local councillors voted 23-18 in favour.

A funding agreement with Aviva Investors will see Aberdeen City Council lease the development from Muse and receive the rental profits for 35 years, after which time the site and development will transfer into council ownership.

The plan is being financially backed by Aviva Investors, with designs for the redevelopment being provided by Scottish architecture practice Halliday Fraser Munro.

Marischal Square will see a series of six and seven-storey blocked offerings replace the 14-storey St Nicholas House office, which was originally erected in 1968.

After the decision was made, the developers stated that the scheme would potentially create a ripple effect for the local community to spur further regeneration, while the Marriott Residents Inn has been selected as the preferred tenant for the hotel at the complex.

The project has been the subject of strong debate in the local community, with some councillors and local bodies raising concerns, especially after it was reported that a pedestrianised element of the scheme would not be considered as part of the final application.

However, after two-and-a-half hours of debate, the application was given the green light after a decision at the region's town house.

It is hoped that construction will begin on-site in February next year, with a completion date planned for 2017.

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