Haringey approves Alexandra Palace restorations
The members of Haringey Council’s planning committee have voted in favour of plans to refurbish some of Alexandra Palace’s most historic and striking spaces, in order to provide a valuable resource for residents and the wider community.
A total of £28 million will be required to complete the project, which will include transforming the Victorian theatre into a major cultural venue, and the old BBC studios into an exhibit telling the story of broadcasting.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has already provided £844,800 in the first round funding. A second-phase application was submitted in December 2014, and a decision is expected in the next few months.
The plans have been backed by a number of restoration groups, such as English Heritage, the Theatres Trust and the Victorian Society.
Haringey Council leader Claire Kober said: “These are brilliant plans for Ally Pally [as the building is affectionately known], which pave the way for the next chapter in this beautiful building’s history.
“Alexandra Palace has become a hugely successful venue, but with parts of the building in a state of serious decay, we have to act now to restore and preserve this landmark for generations to come.”
The theatre, which opened in 1875, is capable of seating 3,000. It is now set to be restored to its former glory, and will host plays, musical events, film screenings, among other professional and community ventures. At present, 40 per cent of the building is not open to the public due to dilapidation.
The BBC studios were the site of the first higher-definition television broadcasts in 1936. Unfortunately, little of the original equipment remains. Careful work will be required to open the suites as an interactive visitor exhibition, as the walls were coated in carcinogenic asbestos as a form of fire and sound-proofing.
The building’s colonnades will also be restored to their original design, which will provide better access to the neighbouring Alexandra Park.
Published 18th February, 2015
© 2015 Estates IT Limited
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A unanimous vote means that an ambitious proposal to refurbish the Alexandra Palace in Haringey is one step closer to reality.