The multi-million pound project to revamp Alexandra Palace has been given a boost after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded £18.8 million towards refurbishing costs.
Plans are in place to restore the BBC Studios, repair the Victorian Theatre and create a new public entrance hall at the glazed East Court.
The BBC studios, the birthplace of high-definition TV broadcasts in 1936, are set to be turned into an interactive visitor attraction.
A stunning hidden theatre, dating back to 1875, will also be brought back to life and used for theatrical performances, cinema screenings and acoustic music.
It has the capacity to accommodate audiences of up to 1,330 people, but has been designed to suit smaller and more intimate audiences too.
The funding will go towards the total project cost of £26.7 million, with Haringey Council pledging £6.8 million and the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust (APPCT) planning to fundraise £1m before the starts of the works in 2016.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of APPCT, said: “Today marks a hugely positive and significant step in realising our aspirations to bring the Victorian Theatre and BBC Studios back to life and fulfil the potential of the Palace and its remarkable history for the local community, visitors from all over the UK, and overseas.
“There are further challenges ahead, including the launch of a new fundraising programme and preparing the Palace for the start of the construction programme later this year, but this announcement represents a huge achievement for the Trust and its supporters.”
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said:
“Alexandra Palace has played a pivotal role in the development of popular entertainment – culminating in the birth of British television.
“The Eastern end has stood derelict for 35 years but now Lottery funding is heralding a new chapter for this iconic building, creating an inspirational space where people can learn about its rich and colourful history.”
