Proposals to open hotel and theatre at Ally Pally (From Haringey Independent)

Proposals to open hotel and theatre at Ally Pally

12:06pm Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A state-of-the-art hotel and a theatre could open at Alexandra Palace if vital funding can be sourced.

The fresh proposals, which would cost tens of millions of pounds to complete, are put forward by the trustees of Alexandra Palace and pinpoint six key aspects of the palace in need of regeneration or rebuilding.

A hotel complete with a restaurant, bar, and meeting room facilities could fill the south west wing of Ally Pally which has been derelict for many years.

Large parts of the palace, which is currently home to an ice rink as well as a popular music venue, have been closed to the public for many years as they are in a bad state of repair.

A derelict theatre could be returned to its former glory if money is sourced to carry out vital structural work to make the area safe for public use.

The iconic BBC studios, which were home to the first television broadcast, could also regularly open for both school and public use if money is spent upgrading the area.

The palace is looking to pay for the changes, which will take place over a number of years, via investments and loans from public and private bodies as well as grants.

The idea is the loans will be paid back once income is generated from the new facilities at the palace. The plans also focus on upgrading the entrances to the palace by ensuring easier access for people with disabilities.

Duncan Wilson OBE, the chief executive of the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, said: “In much the same way as the South Bank has carved a cultural niche for itself in London over the last few years, we have a vision to create a vibrant cultural and recreational People’s Palace north of the river."

Regenerating the layout of the entrances are also key to the plans, with proposals including planting extra trees and installing water fountains and seating to make the areas more attractive.

If money is sourced, unused corridors in the palace could be reopened to allow visitors greater access to facilities in the palace.

An upgrade of the main halls, which host key sporting events such as the Masters snookers, could also be on the cards.

A public consultation process to discuss the proposals is open.

As part of the process, a free exhibition mapping the design concepts is open at the place until June 22. To view the exhibition, click here.