Work will start next year and by 2018 the Palace’s world-famous former BBC Studios will become an immersive TV experience. Other plans include bringing the site's Victorian theatre back to life as a performance space and restoring the East Court entrance hall to its original 1870s grandeur.

This major restoration project is the culmination of years of planning and consultation. HLF is supporting it with an investment of £18.8m, and Haringey Council with nearly £7m.

[quote=Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London]"Alexandra Palace is one of North London’s most distinctive and best-loved historic landmarks."[/quote]

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: "Alexandra Palace is one of North London’s most distinctive and best-loved historic landmarks. It has an extraordinarily eclectic backstory, having hosted music gigs, sporting events, exhibitions and most importantly as the birthplace of UK broadcasting."

Three million people enjoy Alexandra Park and Palace every year. Thousands come to listen to bands such as Florence and the Machine and Rudimental, or to see world-class snooker and darts championship events.  However, many of those visitors may not realise that metres away lies a beautiful but derelict theatre and the UK's first-ever broadcasting TV studio.

Louise Stewart, Chief Executive of Alexandra Park and Palace, said: "Almost half of Alexandra Palace is still inaccessible to the public. This project will help put that right."

Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust still needs to raise the final £1m to complete the project - donate or get involved via the campaign website.