An 80-year-old events venue in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle could be demolished to make way for a modern entertainment space.

Multi-million-pound plans to replace the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens were first tabled by city hotelier Norman Springford last year.

The proposals, which are at an early stage, include the restoration of the city's iconic Ross Fountain, landscaping of the surrounding gardens and visitor facilities.

Mr Springford has offered to be a major benefactor in the project and has now teamed up with the city of Edinburgh council to progress the plans.

It is hoped the scheme would revive the gardens and give communities and visitors a versatile facility to be used throughout the year.

The site is within Edinburgh's coveted World Heritage Site and is on protected Common Good land.

Any major development would be require to be approved by the Scottish Government due to legal restrictions placed on the city's public parks.

Councillors will meet next week to consider legal and technical issues and the feasibility of the project. A steering group has also been formed to help progress the proposals and to attract private sector support.

Council leader Andrew Burns said heritage bodies, festival producers and residents would be consulted.

He said: "Connecting the Old and New Town halves of our Unesco World Heritage Site and in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, West Princes Street Gardens offers one of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic locations.

"Scores of famous acts have graced the Ross Bandstand stage and while it remains a key venue for the city's famous festival fireworks and Hogmanay concert in the gardens, it is more than 80 years old and is nearing the end of its useful life."

Mr Burns described the project as a "long-held ambition of the council" which needed private sector support due to the financial climate.

He added: "We are extremely grateful to Mr Springford for his personal commitment to the project.

"Princes Street Gardens are a major source of residents' pride in the city and it is important that we get any changes to the park right.

"There are a lot of considerations, from the fact the area is Common Good land to the implications of building in public parks, and so there is still much work to be done."

Mr Springford said: "Whilst it has been a personal ambition to see redevelopment, the opportunity for this to become a reality arises from a real spirit of public/private co-operation.

"I'm sure we are all looking forward to being given the chance to deliver a project which the city can have pride in."

Should councillors approve a report at next week's meeting, a more detailed report will be considered by the full council in June.