London’s iconic BT Tower is undergoing a significant transformation, as new plans reveal its future as a hotel. This 620ft landmark, situated near Tottenham Court Road, is being completely renovated and repurposed, marking a major shift from its original function as a telecommunications hub. The tower, which has stood in the heart of Fitzrovia since 1964, was once the tallest structure in London until it was overtaken by the NatWest Tower in 1980.
The BT Tower was acquired by MCR, one of the largest hotel operators in the United States, for £275 million last year. This acquisition is part of a broader plan to reintroduce the landmark to the public after nearly five decades of restricted access. Originally opened by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1965, the tower welcomed visitors a year later with a rotating restaurant on the 34th floor that provided panoramic views of the city.
Why was the BT Tower closed to the public?
The Top of the Tower restaurant, located in the BT Tower, was shut down in 1971 following a bomb explosion in the men’s toilets. Although it reopened on an invite-only basis shortly after, the entire tower was eventually closed in 1981. A brief reopening occurred in 2015 to celebrate the tower’s 50th anniversary.
Anne Archer, an archivist at the tower, explained the building’s design: “Because of its function, the building had to be erected at a considerable height and have nothing obstructing it so as not to interrupt communication waves. So it offers this stunning panoramic view.”
How will the BT Tower change?
MCR recently released their proposals for the building as part of a public consultation process that will run until May 26. One of the key features of the development includes offering guests the chance to stay in ‘the Stick,’ located on levels seven to 23, which has been off-limits to the public for years. Anne added, “No matter what, the history of this building will always be preserved – there is no other building like this. But the new owners may be able to make the most of it more now. If a restaurant opens up inside the new hotel, more people will be able to come again.”
Plans for the top floor are less concrete, but preliminary designs suggest the potential for an event space and an observation deck to showcase the rich history of the BT Tower, without the once-iconic restaurant.
Further ideas include a swimming pool on the top floor of The Podium, located at the base of the tower. On the ground floor, MCR has proposed creating shops and cafes as part of a new square along Howland Street, which will be open to the public.
When will the hotel be ready?
Construction is expected to begin in late 2029 when BT hands over the site to MCR, with completion anticipated by 2033. BT stated they did not want to “hang on to something they no longer need,” as many older features such as microwave aerials were removed over a decade ago.
A final look inside the BT Tower revealed a time capsule of 1960s and 1970s technology, covered in dust. Work has already begun to remove outdated wires, telephones, and switchboards, which have become obsolete due to technological advancements.
Brent Mathews, Property Director at BT Group, said, “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means.”
MCR added, “MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel-led, mixed-use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage, complements Fitzrovia’s historic character, and delivers meaningful placemaking and employment opportunities for the local community.”
