Visitors to Alexandra Palace and park could soon face parking charges for the first time.
The trust behind the Grade II listed palace is looking to introduce the charges at the north London venue. It says it needs more income to meet rising costs related to parking for visitors to concerts, exhibitions and other events. The fees could also fund improvements to infrastructure and security.
Alexandra Palace, known as Ally Pally, holds events such as the Masters Snooker Championship as well as trade conferences. Its Victorian theatre reopened in November after a £27 million restoration. Park users warned the charges would deter families. Dogwalker Alex Hartos, 30, said: “Having free parking is very important to local people to enjoy this beautiful space.”
Mother Rebecca Gibson, 33, said: “Families run on a shoestring budget and if you have to pay London rates for parking it will put people off from enjoying our green spaces.” The trustees said the main reason for considering parking charges was “to generate income for the Charitable Trust to cover the costs of maintaining the parks and palace, including providing parking facilities and other visitor services and facilities”.
The trust plans a public consultation this year.
