The Municipalisation of Ally Pally

Reproduced below is an article from the Municipal Journal on March 9, 1900. Amazing what a troubled life the Palace has had.

FOR the second time in the strange eventful history of the Alexandra Palace an attempt is being made to secure its municipalisation. On this occasion success seems assured, and there is every prospect that this famous yet unfortunate temple of amusement will enter upon a new sphere of usefulness under public management. Various attempts have been made from  time to time to revive the drooping fortunes of the Palace, but owing to lack of capital and want of proper management these efforts have proved unavailing, and the place allowed to fall into disuse.

A few days ago it was announced that possession of the Palace could be obtained for the sum of £100,000; and when it is remembered that the building alone cost £300,000, and that on a previous occasion £260,000 was asked for the undertaking, the nature of the offer will be appreciated. A few public-spirited men in the district, headed by Mr. Henry Burt, a member of the Middlesex County Council and the Hornsey District Council, at once embraced the opportunity of securing the Palace and the beautiful grounds for the people of London. A committee was formed £5,000 subscribed as a deposit, and the bargain secured. The committee had sufficient faith in the enterprise of the local authorities of Wood Green and Hornsey (in whose districts the Palace stands) and the central governing bodies of the metropolis to risk their deposit, well knowing that the necessary capital would be speedily forthcoming. Nor have they been mistaken. Hornsey has already voted £30,000, Wood Green another £25,000, while the Middlesex County Council, the Islington Vestry, and other public bodies are favourably considering the proposal. No appeal will be made to the public for subscriptions, as in previous schemes of this character. The scheme is by no means a local one, although the people of Hornsey and Wood Green will largely benefit by the acquisition.

The Palace will essentially belong to Londoners, and it is intended that all those public authorities which contribute towards its purchase shall have a share in its management. The Palace will be an open space and a pleasant resort for the whole of the Metropolis, and, as our map indicates, it is easily accessible by rail from all parts.

The suburbs round the Palace are growing at such a rapid rate that, it would be nothing short of a disaster to let slip this opportunity of securing so desirable a bargain.The Palace is situated at the top of the highest of the northern hills of Middlesex, from which it is seen for many miles around, and commands an extent of view surpassed only by that obtained from the Palace at Sydenham. The building is of the most substantial character, land consists of a large central hall, capable of seating about 20,000 people, fitted with a magnificent organ, a separate concert-room, a completely-fitted theatre, large-covered winter gardens, picture galleries, courts, dining-rooms, kitchens, &c. The building covers eighteen acres, whilst the park slopes comprise an area of over 160 acres, of which 134 is freehold. Since the present scheme was originated, the committee have arranged for the purchase of an additional ten acres of splendid woodland, called "the Grove," which can be secured for another £10,000. The Grove is interesting as a favourite resort of Dr. Johnson. The scheme also provides for the acquisition of the racecourse at the foot of the Palace. At present the course is held on a lease, and we understand that it is not proposed to disturb the present arrangements.

In the course of an interview with one of our representatives, Mr. Burt stated that it was proposed to constitute a Board of trustees, nominated by the contributing authorities, to manage and maintain the property. An income of from eight to ten thousand pounds a year can be depended upon, to be applied by the trustees in the general maintenance and repair, the keeping surplus being devoted to improvement, enfranchising of leasehold, and reduction of principal debt, at the discretion of the trustees.

In addition to the usual features found in such a pleasure resort, it is proposed, Mr. Burt stated, to put the Palace to some practical use. For instance, great facilities could be afforded for the development of the Volunteer movement. The capacity of the under floor, with entrances from the sloping up of the grounds, and in the providing of music, &c., any terraces, is almost unlimited for storage of guns and material, consisting as it does of about eighteen acres of dry-covered space. Ample drill space could be set apart without in the least interfering with the public, and the grounds could be made avail. able for Yeomanry and Mounted Infantry practice. A separate building in the grounds could also be entirely appropriated to the use of the battalions as headquarters.

The trustees would also he able to devote considerable attention to technical and manual instruction, unlimited apace being available for engineering schools. workshops, laboratories, &c.