One of North London’s best-loved landmarks has received a boost of more than £550,000 from Historic England to refurbish a derelict area.

The £550,312 grant for Alexandra Palace marks the latest phase in the restoration of the Grade II-listed Muswell Hill venue, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

The grant will allow Ally Pally to bring derelict Victorian offices back into public use. The restoration work, which includes removing decayed brickwork and storing historic roof lanterns, began in December and is expected to last around four months.

Ham & High: In the past the North East Office Building has been used as a ticket office, porter facilities and costume room.In the past the North East Office Building has been used as a ticket office, porter facilities and costume room. (Image: Sophie Harbinson)

As well as stabilising the north east office building - the last remaining section of ‘the People’s Palace’ that is still inaccessible - they will carry out a feasibility study into how it can be used.

Emma Dagnes, CEO of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, 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.”

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “I’ve always loved Ally Pally and am delighted to hear that the 25th anniversary of our Heritage at Risk programme has coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Palace in such a rewarding way.”

Ham & High: The North East Office Building can be seen behind the Lipton's tea tram in this archive photograph. The North East Office Building can be seen behind the Lipton's tea tram in this archive photograph. (Image: Alexandra Palace)

Opened in 1873, Ally Pally was severely damaged twice, first by a fire in the same year, and again in 1980. The restoration of the East Wing in the last five years has reopened the Palace’s award-winning Theatre and East Court to millions of visitors, shrinking the area out of use from 40 per cent to 29 per cent.

Tom Foxall, regional director of Historic England, said: “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.”