Merged quoted architect lands £100m mixed-use redevelopment of north London landmark
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson has been appointed architect on the £100m redevelopment of Alexandra Palace in north London.
The company, which is the result of a merger between Aukett and Fitzroy Robinson last year, was appointed by developer Firoka, run by Firoz Kassam, the multimillionaire hotel tycoon and Oxford United FC owner.
It is a boost for Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, which is listed on the alternative investment market, because most of the jobs it works on are valued between £10m and £50m.
Nicholas Thompson, chief executive, said the company was also bidding for a £200m project but the smaller contracts would remain "the mainstay of the business".
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson has been appointed architect on the £100m redevelopment of Alexandra Palace in north London.
The redevelopment of the 19th-century, 46,500 m2 building is set to include exhibition space, a 150-bed hotel, cinemas, bowling alley, ice rink, health and fitness centre, museum, restaurant, bars, retail space and coffee shops.
Firoka beat off competition from the Earls Court and Olympia group on the final shortlist of two. Initially the scheme attracted 13 expressions of interest when it was put out to tender in 2005.
Firoka is negotiating a 125-year lease of the building with the trustees of Alexandra Palace and the Palace Charitable Trust.
The redevelopment will be phased in three stages, starting with the restoration and upgrade of the exhibition area, including the Great Hall, West Hall and Palm Court.
Alexandra Palace was first opened in 1875 and was used as the main transmitting centre for the BBC from 1936 to 1956. It was only partly rebuilt after a fire in 1980.
However, it has remained a popular visitor attraction and music and other live events have continued at the venue.
Jeremy Blake, director at Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, said that "the ambitious plans would do justice to, and secure a great future for, the site".
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