Exploring the Future of the BT Tower as a Hotel
Looking across London’s legendary skyline, there are a few buildings you can easily pick out: The Shard, 30 St Mary Axe (better known as The Gherkin), and The Fenchurch Building (e.g. The Walkie-Talkie), to name a few. Set further back from the river, the BT Tower stands proudly in London’s Fitzrovia, a vast Lego-block building towering high above the lush grounds and canals of Regent’s Park.
A Historical Perspective on the BT Tower
The Grade-II listed building was first opened in 1965 by then Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It held the title of London’s tallest building until 1980, scraping the sky at 581 feet high. The building is easily recognizable for the 360-degree LED screen wrapped around the tower’s 36th and 37th floors. Notably, the screen first switched on in 2009 and is most frequently remembered for the countdown displayed for the 2012 London Olympics.
Anticipating Future Developments
We are eager to learn more about the tower’s future in hospitality. After a £275 million sale to US-based MCR Hotels, many anticipate significant developments. The hotel chain is recognized for remarkable projects including The High Line Hotel in New York and the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, among its 150 other properties worldwide.
Collaboration for Reimagining the Space
According to Sky News, MCR stated they will partner with Camden-based Heatherwick Studio to explore possibilities for reimagining the BT Tower as a hotel. However, detailed plans are not expected to emerge for a few years. MCR mentioned that the BT Group will require time to vacate the premises due to the complex task of relocating technical equipment. Moreover, there will be significant time allocated for design development and engaging with local communities before any proposals are introduced.
A Trend in Transforming London Landmarks
The BT Tower is the latest in a series of London landmarks reimagined as hotels. For instance, the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court was transformed into the NoMad hotel in 2021. Additionally, Raffles at the OWO opened in 2022 inside Whitehall’s Old War Offices, historically a hub for government officials from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming. This venue is now home to nine restaurants, three bars, and 120 rooms and suites. Elsewhere in London, Admiralty Arch is scheduled to open in 2025 as London’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel following five years of construction. The opening dates for The Chancery Rosewood, located within the old US Embassy in Mayfair, are highly anticipated as well.
