But today, we’ve finally received some good news - London’s Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally, has been given a massive £23.9million for a revamp and makeover!
The venue is one of the English capital’s most famous, and has seen countless big name bands, artists, and DJs performing inside it’s walls over the 100+ years its been around. Now, it’s been granted a hefty wad of cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund to turn some of it’s ‘derelict and inaccessible parts’ into public attractions and useable rooms.
Posting via their website, Ally Pally bosses wrote of the news:
“This funding will be used to further develop the project’s designs and business plan to ensure its ability to deliver the maximum sustainable long-term benefit for the Palace, its visitors and local communities.
“The HLF funding will contribute the major part of a £23.9m project which will transform the eastern end of the Palace, making accessible to the public the most historically significant – yet currently derelict and inaccessible – parts of the building.”
The multi-million pound revamp was planned by the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust - or APPCT - and their chair Matt Cooke has commented:
“This HLF funding will not only re-open derelict areas to full use and access, but will give a massive boost to the whole-site regeneration of one of London’s most exciting buildings. I’m absolutely clear that this success is a testament to the efforts of our brilliant chief executive Duncan Wilson and each and every member of our talented and committed staff team.”
Ally Pally chief executive Duncan Wilson OBE is excited for the revamp, and has said:
“The HLF announcement marks a significant moment in the future of Alexandra Palace. Finally we can plan with confidence to bring back to life the glorious Victorian Theatre and the historic BBC Television studios. The ‘People’s Palace’ in its entirety can now become a reality and we are thrilled that the HLF have endorsed our plans for its future in this way.”
The BBC studios are also set get a cash injection for improvements, which will see their studios refurbished and a new ‘interactive historical and educational visitor experience’ will be created - Rob Seatter, head of BBC History, is a supporter of the move, and said:
“As the birthplace of British television, it is a unique historical destination which merits being preserved and interpreted for future generations.”
What do you think of the news? Leave us a comment in the box below!
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
