The vaults below Union Terrace Gardens could be refurbished and turned into shops and gallery units, a square could be turned into concert space and a historic church could see a four-storey extension.

These are all proposals being brought forward for Aberdeen under the City Centre Masterplan, new documents have shown.

The report showing the progress of plans state that a design is currently being drawn up for Union Terrace Gardens, including an amphitheatre and seating, as well as a suggestion to refurbish the vaults below Union Terrace to provide retail, food, studio and/or gallery units.

Other plans for the site include creating an arts/cafe building, building a bridge to link Belmont Street and Union Terrace with a lift, stairs and viewing platforms, and restoring the Victorian toilets.

The masterplan sets the deadline for this work to be completed as 2020 and said the design brief is currently being prepared.

And it’s not just Union Terrace Gardens that could be transformed to bring in more creative space.

The east end of the Kirk of St Nicholas, just off Union Street, could see a four-storey extension with an auditorium, gallery and space for public and community functions.

The business case for this work is currently being developed by The Open Space Trust and its completion deadline is 2022.

Delivering low-cost space for creative companies and artists has been put forward with the potential to use larger warehouse spaces.

Deputy council leader Councillor Marie Boulton, who is heading regeneration in the city, said some of the proposals for Union Terrace Gardens could be delivered next.

The cleaning of key granite buildings in the city is another project which the councillor hopes will progress quickly.

She added: “That is something we will be getting out to tender and want done as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Boulton said she is confident the proposals are deliverable and would not just raise the public’s expectations.

She added: “That’s why we have gone through the process the way we have.

“I think before there were never proper foundations put in place and there were many suggestions but it was never thought through with how it all fitted in.

“It was about identifying what was missing from the city and what was required to make it a more rounded city.

“We said to our officers, ‘Have we got the capacity within our teams to deliver these?’ and everyone has said yes and given a commitment.”

There are also plans to turn Golden Square into an “outdoor performance area” for the Music Hall, which is currently closed for a £7 million refurbishment.

Other plans for Golden Square would see it become a “cycle hub” and have “secure sheltered parking”.

The council is already looking into pedestrianising Broad Street in the city centre but the document reveals Guild Street, Langstane Place, Justice Mill Lane, Windmill Brae, Rose Street, Thistle Street, Chapel Street and parts of Union Street could be closed to traffic as well. The deadline for this has again been set for 2020.

Upperkirkgate and Schoolhill could be pedestrianised by December 2017.

There are also plans to take away car parking spaces at Bon Accord Square and create a garden space by 2020.

Aberdeen could see a new hotel academy established which in part is staffed by trainees and apprentices.