The plans for what the BT Tower could look like after its historic transformation have been revealed. The iconic 620ft landmark is being stripped out and converted into a hotel, after years of being closed off to the public since 1971. MCR, who bought the tower last year for £275 million, said they are determined to 'honour its past' while reimagining its future.
The tower sits in the middle of Fitzrovia in central London. After it was built in 1964, it became the tallest structure in the capital until it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower in 1980. It once offered trips up to the 34th revolving floor to take in the capital's skyline at the revolving restaurant.
Anne Archer, an archivist at the tower, told Metro: '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.'
MCR released their proposed plans yesterday evening as part of the wider public consultation process. This includes being able to spend a night in the Stick between levels 7 to 23, which has always been off-limits to the public. Anne said: '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,' she added.
Yet plans seem less certain for the top floor. The preliminary designs show the potential for an event space and an observation deck to 'tell the rich story of the BT tower' with no mention of the once iconic restaurant. There are more ideas towards the bottom of the building. A swimming pool is set to be built on the top floor of The Podium, which sits at the base of the tower. On the ground floor levels, MCR has proposed building shops and cafes as part of a new square along Howland Street, which will be completely open for public use.
The hotel aims to start building in late 2029 with construction hopefully completed in 2033. BT said they did not want to 'hang on to something they no longer need', with many once-important features such as microwave aerials being removed more than a decade ago.
Metro was treated to a final look at the building before it was shut for good. Inside was a time capsule of technology from the 60s and 70s, covered in a thick layer of dust. Work has already started to get rid of the ageing wires, telephones and switchboards, all made redundant by technological advancement.
Brent Mathews, Property Director, 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 said: '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.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page.
