The last remaining inaccessible part of the Alexandra Palace site could now be developed into a space for public benefit

The disused north-east section of Alexandra Palace (credit Sophie Harbinson)

Historic England has awarded a £550,000 grant to Alexandra Palace to kickstart work to bring a derelict section of the palace’s east wing back into use.

The funding, which is the latest stage of the award-winning restoration of the Grade 2-listed Victorian venue, will enable the palace team to stabilise the north-east office building, which is “the last remaining truly inaccessible area” of the sprawling palace site.

The grant will also pave the way for feasibility work into how the space can be developed for public benefit, for the first time in the palace’s long history.

This grant marks the next phase of the major restoration project that saw the palace’s Victorian theatre reopen in 2018 following 80 years of closure, alongside the transformation of the east court, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Haringey Council.

Since opening in 2018, over 500,000 people have visited the theatre, which has hosted Madonna, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, the Earthshot Prize, plus a diverse programme of comedy and drama, and is now the home of the BBC’s legendary Later…with Jools Holland. The restoration also acted as a catalyst for the Palace’s burgeoning creative learning programme, which now works with 10,000 people each year.

The funding for the east wing restoration comes via Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Programme, which focuses attention on the risk faced by some of the most significant sites in England and which, without grant support, would not be able to pursue restoration projects.

Emma Dagnes, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust CEO, said: “We are grateful to Historic England for such a significant grant in our 150th year. The funding will start us on the journey to bring these spaces back for public benefit, unlocking their potential and enabling us to welcome everyone through our doors with a wider range of activities and programmes.

“In doing so, we will build on our work to inspire people to be part of the future of this extraordinary people’s palace.’

Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: “‘”I’ve always loved Ally Pally and am delighted to hear that the 25^th anniversary of our Heritage at Risk Programme has coincided with the 150^th anniversary of the palace in such a fruitful way. I really appreciate the time and care taken by colleagues and partners across the country to support and save places like Alexandra Palace, which is one of our best-loved buildings.’

The north-east office building was used as far back as 1875, to house offices for administrators, a ticket office, porter facilities, costume room and the palace’s first superintendent. It was last used by the Open University production unit, which broadcast educational programmes from the palace’s TV studios between 1971 and 1981.

The structural work needed at the building includes removing decayed brickwork and timber, removing and storing of historic roof lanterns, and installing a new roof covering, is due to commence in early December and is expected to take four months. It will be delivered with the support of Rooff as the main contractor, conservation architects Burrell Foley Fisher, cost consultants DR Nolans, and structural engineers The Morton Partnership.

Tom Foxall, regional director at Historic England, added: “Our funding for the north-east office building is designed to address the most urgent repair work and act as a springboard to access further funding which will open up the area to the public for the first time. We have worked closely with the Trust for a number of years, helping to shape and secure the repair of the building.

“Alexandra Palace is a vast site full of unique and intriguing spaces and we’re pleased to be able to support this essential work, following a project development grant in 2020.”

Alexandra Palace hosts over 400 events and activities each year, welcoming five million people to the park and palace. In recent years the proportion of the palace that remains out of use has been reduced from 40% to 29%.

For more information about Alexandra Palace:
Visit alexandrapalace.com

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.