The plan would transform Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens

Councillors had already approved the �12.5m Peacock Visual Arts project.

It will see a new gallery, performance spaces, studios and an education suite constructed in the Victorian sunken gardens by 2010.

It could bring millions of pounds into the local economy but has been criticised by heritage campaigners.

'Very special'

Lindsay Gordon, director of Peacock, said: "We are delighted at receiving the go-ahead.

"We knew this development would bring something very special to the cultural and architectural landscape of the UK.

"What we have here is a stunning building that will put Aberdeen on par with other Northern European cultural centres such as Helsinki, Oslo and Copenhagen."

Kate Dean, the Aberdeen City Council leader, said: "Bringing high-quality architecture to Aberdeen is a key part of our vision for city centre redevelopment."

A detailed model of the plans for the centre will be on display to the public in the city council's St Nicholas House headquarters.