A multi-million pound plan to radically transform Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen is to be known as the City Square Project.

Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), the body behind the proposal, officially announced the name today in an effort to give the scheme a clear identity.

New images showing what the area could look like have also been released ahead of a public consultation, which will begin on the January 11.

The plan could involve raising the gardens to street level to connect the space with other parts of the city.

Dave Blackwood of the City Square Project said: "This space could actually become a walk on, walk off space, which joins up Union Terrace Gardens with Union Street, joins up Union Street itself right through to the theatre. 

“We have connectivity at two levels - at surface level and the layer below - a naturally lit covered space of two acres - where we can have all our events and really bring the heart back into the city.  It will give people a reason to come back into the city centre."

The newly developed space may also comprise restaurants, an outdoor performance area as well as a contemporary arts centre.

Local businessman Sir Ian Wood has already pledged £50million of his own money towards the proposal but it is expected the overall project could cost in excess of double that amount.

The plan has proved controversial. Peacock Visual Arts has already secured planning permission and part of the funding to create a contemporary arts centre in the gardens, but it claims its vision could be blocked by the City Square Project.

ACSEF says it is working to include Peacock's plans within its wider project.