A north-east MSP claims Aberdonians are being asked to approve the controversial City Gardens Project without knowing if the money is available.

Labour's Richard Baker has criticised Aberdeen City Council for holding a referendum before formally submitting its business case to the Scottish Futures Trust, who will make a recommendation to Scottish ministers. 

Residents will be asked to vote on the project over the coming fortnight as ballot papers are sent out to homes across the city this week - a result is expected to be announced on March 2.  

MSPs will have to approve a £92m TIF loan - which will fund several intitiatives including improving Aberdeen Art Gallery and demolishing St Nicholas House - if the project is to get off the ground.

Mr Baker said: "I find it astonishing that we are only a few days away from a referendum on which the council has already spent hundreds of thousands of pounds and yet the Scottish Government have made clear they haven't taken a view on the funding package which is being proposed.

"Not even that, they haven't even seen the business case yet."

However, a spokeswoman from Aberdeen City Council said an agreement has always been in place to submit a business plan after a referendum has taken place.

She said: "The Scottish Government has already stated that Aberdeen City Council's plan to use TIF for Union Terrace Gardens project will be progressed if public support for the project can be demonstrated.

"The referendum is being held to gauge public support for the project prior to submitting a business case. Councillors have ruled that the City Gardens Project will not be progressed if the public votes against it.

"It would be pointless to submit the business case without gauging public support."

She added: "The Wood Family Trust is to pay 80% of the cost of the referendum. The referendum is going to cost £215,000. Therefore Aberdeen City Council is only paying £43,000."

On Monday, three leading figures from Scottish Architecture and the arts scene announced their backing for the Granite Web design, including the head of Robert Gordon University's Architecture school, David McClean. 

Dr McClean said: "It's a very exciting new facility, indoor and outdoor, for the people of this city. 

"It also provides a crucial connectivity across what has historically proved to be a difficult space across the city."