Iconic BT Tower Set to Become a Hotel

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21 February 2024 | Updated 23 February 2024

The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, who plan to turn the 620-foot tower into a luxury hotel.

In a deal worth £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They plan to work with Heatherwick Studio to cement the Grade II listed building as “an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.”

The communications tower was opened in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and it acted as a hub for the UK’s communication networks. It also served as a key global interchange point for live television. Now that services are cloud-based, BT Group will now be able to move to more “modern and efficient premises.”

The top floor was open to the public as a restaurant until 1971, but since then has only been used for BT’s corporate and charity events.

The tower’s “infoband” screen is well known for displaying adverts and messages, and it was used during the COVID-19 pandemic to carry public health messages.

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Simplifying BT Group’s Portfolio

The sale of the tower complements BT’s plans to reduce the number of offices in its estate from more than 300 to around 30, simplifying its property footprint. 

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. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”

MCR predicts that it will take several years for the BT Group to fully vacate the premises. 

Picture: a photograph of the BT Tower at night. Image Credit: BT Group

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 21 February 2024

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