An appeal was launched three years ago to raise money to match Heritage Lottery and council funding for the project.

Griff Rhys Jones is an active supporter of the theatre

Sir Alan contacted the appeal chairman, comedian Griff Rhys Jones, in December 2000 offering the cash to help reach the target.

The deal was on condition that no details were released until he officially left the board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Hackney roots

Sir Alan, who sold the club to ENIC, said he wanted to put some of the proceeds back into the community where he started his Amstrad business.

He said: "I've always been proud of my Hackney roots.

"I'm delighted to be able to put something back into the community where I grew up and I look forward to enjoying again some great nights in the Hackney Empire."

Rhys Jones said that although he had contacted many famous people for donations, Sir Alan had contacted him.

He said: "The most important thing is that there will continue to be a fully functioning, modern theatre, and it will be in Hackney.

"We can be very proud of that."

As part of the massive refit of the main auditorium there will be a new orchestra pit and better audience facilities.

Work on the 100-year-old venue is expected to take 14 months to complete.

Meanwhile the fundraising drives continues to help pay for the relaunch and to equip the theatre.