Key Details

Overview

BT Tower is a commercial building in Fitzrovia, London W1.

MCR Hotels has agreed to acquire the site, including the BT Tower, from BT Group in 2024 for £275 million and plans to transform the tower with the help of Heatherwick Studio into an iconic hotel while preserving its historical significance.

The BT Tower is a grade II listed communications tower located in Fitzrovia, London. An iconic part of the London skyline, the main structure is 177 metres (581 ft) high, with a further section of aerial rigging bringing the total height to 189 metres (620 ft). Upon completion in 1964, it overtook the Millbank Tower (1963) to become the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower (1980).

BT Tower was opened for operations in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson. As well as acting as a hub for the UK’s communication networks, BT Tower was open to the public until 1971, with a restaurant making use of the revolving top floor. Since 1984, BT Tower has been operated by BT Group, with its top floor regularly hosting corporate and charity events, and its “infoband” screen regularly displaying messages across London.

Quick facts prior to the redevelopment of the tower:
• 29 - Years ago the general public was able to visit the BT Tower.
• 5 million - A conservative estimate on the number of visitors since 1965.
• QE2 Bridge - The furthest landmark you can see from the Tower - on a clear day!
• 22 - mph lift speed at the BT Tower.
• 20 - Seconds the lift takes from the ground to the 34th floor.
• 36 - Number floors.
• 843 - Number of steps to the 34th floor.
• 22 - Minutes the revolving restaurant takes to complete a full circle.
• £2.5 million - Approximate cost to construct.
• 4 - Shillings, admission for the public in 1965 (20p).
• 189 metres - High (620 feet) - the equivalent of 24 double-decker buses end to end.
• 44 - Years old, the BT Tower opened on October 8, 1965, by the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson.
• 13,000 - Tonnes of concrete and steel.
• 20 - Centimetres the Tower is designed to sway, less than most high-rise structures.
• 50,000 - Square feet of glass in the Tower.
• 23 - Centimetres the building contracts in cold weather and expands when it's warm.

Source: bt.com