The Union Terrace Gardens plan will cost �12.5m

The Scottish Government has approved the Peacock Visual Arts project.

Norman Marr, of the Aberdeen Civic Society, said he believed the design was totally inappropriate.

However supporters said the design ensured the popular open spaces in the gardens would be protected. It is due to be finished by 2010.

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

Blend in

It could bring millions of pounds into the local economy.

Mr Marr said: "I am very, very sorry because this is the beginning of the end of the gardens in my opinion.

"There are some magnificent mature trees and I believe 16 could be destroyed."

Aberdeen city councillor Scott Cassie said he believed it would "blend in beautifully".

Lindsay Gordon, director of Peacock, said: "One of the great things is it produces something new but maintains open space."