Early designs for the transformation of London's iconic BT Tower into a hotel with a new public square have been revealed. The 177-metre (600ft) tower in Fitzrovia, opened in 1965 by then Prime Minister Harold Wilson, served as a major telecommunications hub for decades.
Hotel and Public Access Plans
US hospitality giant MCR Hotels purchased the site for £275m in 2024 and has begun consulting the public on its early plans to revamp the Grade II listed building into a "vibrant hotel that celebrates the landmark's place in history." MCR plans to submit a full application to Camden Council in September.
The "heritage sensitive" redevelopment, led by Orms Architects, includes a restoration of the tower while granting public access to the site for the first time in nearly half a century. The designs feature a publicly accessible square beside the hotel's reception, along with spaces for retail and food outlets, plus pedestrian walkways allowing visitors to stand at the tower's base for the "first time ever."
Rooftop Pool and Hotel Rooms
Above the square, the restored "podium" building will house hotel bedrooms and a rooftop swimming pool. Hotel rooms will also be built inside the tower's shaft itself, known as 'The Stick'. Proposals include scrapping "unsightly" additions to the structure to reveal the original façade of the podium built in 1966, restoring the building's true character.
Observation Deck Returns
Formerly the Post Office Tower, the BT Tower has been almost entirely off-limits to the general public for decades. Once home to a rotating restaurant and viewing area, 'Top of the Tower', a bombing attack in 1971 led to security restrictions that limited access. From 1981, the building was no longer open for routine public visits. Though there are no plans for a new eatery, the developer proposes to restore the observation deck to offer the public "spectacular, 360-degree, panoramic views of London that it has been missing for nearly 50 years."
Heritage and Community Support
The designs, which will preserve the original concrete structure, have already won the support of Historic England. Regional Director Tom Foxall said the organisation was "delighted" by MCR's "thoughtful approach." He added: "The emerging scheme will reinforce the significance of [the tower's] extraordinary architecture, ensuring its iconic presence remains on the London skyline while also reconfiguring its internal spaces in ways that will bring both public enjoyment and economic growth."
The developer has assured that the project will carefully position new elements to avoid impact on surrounding areas of "heritage significance," such as the Fitzroy Square Conservation Area. MCR adds that an influx of hotel visitors will bring more money to Fitzrovia and Camden, boosting career growth for local residents and creating new full-time, part-time, and construction jobs.
Timeline and Consultation
Should the plans gain approval from the council, construction would not commence until late 2029, with completion anticipated in 2033. The plans were unveiled during public exhibitions held at University College London from May 11-16, and are available to view in full on MCR's website. The feedback deadline for the first round of consultation is Tuesday, May 26. Residents can comment on the BT Tower Hotel Project using a virtual form.
