Plans to transform an Aberdeen street into the “heart of the city” have been given a £1million boost.
Finance chiefs said last night the grant will help turn Broad Street into bustling area with lots of people milling around.
The funding has come from Sustrans Scotland, which offers financial support to projects which promote walking and cycling.
A £4million transformation of the street was backed unanimously by councillors earlier this month.
The scheme will involve the creation of a roundabout at the Upperkirkgate as well as a water feature, public lawn and boulevard of trees.
Work on the street is due to begin before the end of the year and finish in July.
Last night, the city’s finance chief said the grant was a vindication of the authority’s vision for the area.
Councillor Willie Young said: “Sustrans has looked at what we are trying to do in and around the city centre masterplan and pedestrianisation and decided to support us – that can only be good for the people of Aberdeen.
“We applied for the funding but we were up against stiff competition from other cities across Scotland.
“While we had committed to putting this money in ourselves if we hadn’t been successful, this now means that we can divert the funding elsewhere into other projects.
“Broad Street is going to be the new heart of the city, and the reason for that is there will be lots of people milling around – people make areas.”
It is hoped that the street can be used to host events and plans are in place to make the pedestrianised section a simple walkway, similar to Belmont Street.
Only buses and bicycles will be allowed on the street, with the works expected to be complete by the opening of the Marischal Square development next year.
SNP opposition leader Stephen Flynn said he was pleased the authority had sought funding help from an outside source.
He said: “From my perspective I think it’s extremely welcome and it’s good to see that for a change the council is working with partner agencies to help finance projects – it’s something we should be doing more of.”
Sustrans said it was “delighted” that has been able to support the city.
Andy Keba, the organisation’s community links coordinator, said: “We are committed to ensuring that individuals and communities are better connected by safe and accessible walking and cycling facilities and the new and improved Broad Street will provide both those who live in and visit the area with excellent facilities to travel actively.
“We look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council in order to ensure the successful delivery of this project.”