£5m revamp returns Aberdeen's Duthie Park to Victorian glory

• The bandstand in Duthie Park is one of the many attractions harking back to a bygone era – under the plans the area will undergo extensive revitalisation

Duthie Park in Aberdeen first opened in 1883 after the 44 acres of parkland were bequeathed to the city by Elizabeth Crombie Duthie, the daughter of a wealthy ship owner and merchant.

Despite its fading grandeur, the park still attracts more than half a million visitors every year.

But yesterday Aberdeen City Council announced plans to invest a total of 5.38 million to revitalise the historic park, encourage more people to visit, and to make it an attractive setting for new activities and events.

Part of the scheme involves the reinstatement of a "lost" Victorian promenade. The proposals also include plans to restore the imposing fountain in the middle of the park, and three linked ponds to create a boating lake.

Detailed proposals of the restoration scheme will be on display at the park's Winter Gardens next Wednesday.

• The 44-acres of parkland will be covered in the 5.4m revamp

The Heritage Lottery Fund has already awarded 2.56m for the scheme which will be matched with 2.67m from Aberdeen City Council.

It was also revealed yesterday that a further 834,000 will be invested from the bequest of Lorna Russell.

A city council spokesman explained: "Mrs Russell, who lived at Banks O' Dee nursing home, had a passionate love of the David Welch Winter Gardens and, with her husband, spent many happy hours there.

"She died in April 2009, making the city council a beneficiary of her estate, for the sole purpose of 'extending, improving or otherwise refurbishing the Winter Gardens or providing other facilities at the park.'

"Officials are studying a range of schemes on which the bequest could be spent.

"And a way will also be found to recognise Mrs Russell's generosity and love for the park."

Councillor Aileen Malone, the convener of the council's housing and environment committee, said: "Duthie Park is close to the hearts of all Aberdonians and known across the world, so I am delighted that we have the chance to make a difference with the help of the Lottery and Mrs Russell's benevolence."

Councillor Mark McDonald, the committee's vice convener, declared: "The park is already one of the glories of Aberdeen and our work to make it even better will be appreciated by many generations to come."

The restoration scheme was also welcomed by the Friends of Duthie Park, a volunteer organisation formed to promote the park.

Tony Dawson, the chairman of the organisation, said: "We will work together to ensure the best outcome for the park from the lottery bid."

Luke Fisher, the senior grants officer for the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "The local community really value Duthie Park and we hope that the launch of this excellent project, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will highlight its history and impressive designed landscape.

"We are delighted to support both the restoration work and the varied community activities which will be offered."