A revamp of Dundee City Square is set to cost £2.2 million, the council has confirmed.
If the go-ahead for the plans is given at next week’s meeting of the city development committee, Tayside Contracts will start work on the project in January and aim to finish in July.
The environmental improvements will be carried out in two phases, each covering half of the square.
New paving will be laid and a new drainage system installed, along with waterproofing to the slabs over the council’s underground garage.
Wall-mounted lights will replace lamp standards and there will be landscaping work.
The project will also see the replacement of the steps and wheelchair ramp to Caird Hall and the installation of new water and electrical supply surface ground boxes to allow market stalls to use the square more easily.
City development convener Will Dawson said the work is needed to bring the heart of the city up to the standard of the nearby waterfront redevelopment.
He explained: ”With the massive amount of work going on around the city, particularly at the new Malmaison Hotel and elsewhere on the waterfront, it is important that other prominent parts of the centre are equally attractive for visitors and local people.
”City Square has always been a gathering place and with these planned improvements, which will also provide upgraded facilities for market stalls like the successful monthly farmers’ market, I am sure that it will attract even more people who want to sit, chat and enjoy the atmosphere.
”As well as the environmental improvements, the important nature of these works will also safeguard the square for future generations through improved drainage and work on waterproofing the roof of the underground garage.”
The council has been planning to upgrade City Square since the start of the year, when it announced its proposal to put lights on Caird Hall and other surrounding buildings.
In April, councillors approved a £25,000 plan to demolish the gazebo at the northern end of the square.