NO-HEADLINE

The debt-ridden Alexandra Palace site in north London is to become home to a multiplex cinema in an attempt to make it commercially viable, under plans endorsed by Haringey council last night. The development consortium, led by Champions Leisure, McAlpine and Pillar Property, also intends to build a bowling alley, high-technology simulation rides and a tennis centre on the 123-year- old landmark at Muswell Hill.

Earlier this month Haringey, acting as trustee of the palace and park, accepted liability for pounds 50m of the pounds 55m losses on the redevelopment and running of the park since it took over from the Greater London Council in 1980. Nigel Willmott, chairman of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board, said: "This is an important step towards securing the long term future of Ally Pally. In the meantime existing business at the Palace is brisk."