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London's BT Tower to Reopen as Luxury Hotel
11 Mar
Summary
- BT Tower to be transformed into a boutique hotel by 2030.
- Architecture firm Orms appointed for the landmark's redesign.
- Historic revolving restaurant may reopen after decades.
The iconic BT Tower in London, a landmark since its opening in 1965, is slated for a significant transformation into a boutique hotel, with an expected opening by 2030. The concrete and glass structure, standing at 177 meters, was originally known as the Post Office Tower and served crucial communication functions.
While the tower has been closed to the public for decades, a Shoreditch-based architecture firm, Orms, has been appointed to redesign the landmark. Orms is known for projects such as the transformation of Camden Council's headquarters into The Standard hotel. Initial plans for the BT Tower's redevelopment are anticipated to be unveiled at a public consultation scheduled for May.
Previous reports suggest that the tower's revolving restaurant, which once hosted famous diners like The Beatles and Muhammad Ali, may reopen for the first time since 1980. The viewing platforms, closed after a bomb incident in 1971, are also hoped to be a key feature of the new hotel, offering spectacular panoramic city views.
American hotel chain MCR purchased the tower for £275 million. Tycoon Tyler Morse, representing MCR, has indicated the hotel will blend historical telephony themes with modern amenities. Notably, Heatherwick Studio was initially involved but is no longer part of the project. Historic England has expressed approval, anticipating the scheme will enhance the tower's architectural significance and bring economic growth.
