Willmott Dixon’s North London and Northern Homes Counties team hold only the second event in 80 years at the theatre in Alexandra Palace newly restored East Wing
Willmott Dixon marked the completion of its two-year restoration of the east wing of Alexandra Palace in London with a staff meeting which was only the second event in this part of the building for 80 years.
The company’s team met to celebrate the opening of the Grade II-listed heritage restoration project that saw the east wing renewed.
The theatre has been brought back to life and can now accommodate up to 1,300 people, while there is also a new public space at the entrance.
The principal behind the work was ‘arrested decay’ – where Willmott Dixon stabilized the 80 years of decay, keeping the appearance of the theatre similar to when it closed but making it structurally sound.
The new public space at the entrance to the building
During the course of the restoration project, Willmott Dixon worked on parts of the building untouched for 80 years. In addition to stabilizing the structure and the ceiling, the entire floor was lifted up and levelled with all of the 1,200 original floorboards re-laid. The stage was strengthened and around 2,000 bricks were reclaimed and used elsewhere at the Palace.
Willmott Dixon only expected a limited amount of strengthening works to the roof trusses but more decay was discovered, meaning a re-sequencing of the programme
Willmott Dixon managing director Chris Tredget said: “Hundreds of thousands of people can enjoy the restored theatre that’s been hidden from public view for around 80 years. I’m delighted we can bring back to London a little piece of forgotten history and hosting one of the first events there for so long was a privilege.”
How the theatre looked in 2015
