![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026649_773_SEI_296745108-3ec8.jpg\")
\n\t\tLondon\u2019s BT Tower will look incredibly different by 2033 if plans go ahead<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tLondon\u2019s BT Tower will look incredibly different by 2033 if plans go ahead<\/p>\n
London\u2019s iconic BT Tower is being transformed into a hotel, according to newly-unveiled plans.<\/p>\n
The iconic 620ft landmark, located close to Tottenham<\/a> Court Road, is being stripped out and converted into a hotel<\/a>, more than half a century after it was originally closed off to the public.<\/p>\n The tower, which was originally used for telecommunications, sits in the middle of Fitzrovia and was the tallest structure in the capital when it was built in 1964 \u2013 until it was surpassed by the NatWest<\/a> Tower in 1980.<\/p>\n The BT Tower was bought by MCR, the third-largest hotel operator in the United States<\/a>, for a whopping \u00a3275,000,000 last year as part of plans to re-open the landmark to the public for the first time in almost 50 years. <\/p>\n It was first opened by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson back in 1965 and opened to the public a year later, featuring a rotating restaurant on the 34th floor that offered complete views of the capital.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tWhy was the BT Tower closed to the public?\t\t\t<\/p>\n The Top of the Tower restaurant in the BT Tower was closed off in 1971 after a bomb explosion in the men\u2019s toilets of the restaurant. <\/p>\n It was reopened on an invite-only basis shortly after, but the entire tower was shut down in 1981.<\/p>\n In 2015, the restaurant reopened for two weeks in celebration of the BT Tower\u2019s 50th anniversary.<\/p>\n Speaking about the landmark\u2019s design, Anne Archer, an archivist at the tower, told Metro: \u2018Because of its function, the building had to be erected at a considerable height and have nothing obstructing it so as not to interrupt communication waves.<\/p>\n \u2018So it offers this stunning panoramic view.\u2019<\/p>\n How will the BT Tower change?<\/p>\n MCR released their proposals for the building this week as part of the wider public consultation process, which is expected to run until May 26.<\/p>\n The proposal includes being able to spend a night in \u2018the Stick\u2019, located on levels seven to 23, which has always been off-limits to the public.<\/p>\n Anne said: \u2018No matter what, the history of this building will always be preserved \u2013 there is no other building like this.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018But the new owners may be able to make the most of it more now. If a restaurant opens up inside the new hotel<\/a>, more people will be able to come again.\u2019<\/p>\n Plans seem less concrete for the top floor. The preliminary designs show the potential for an event space and an observation deck to \u2018tell the rich story of the BT tower\u2019, without the once iconic restaurant located there.<\/p>\n \t\t There are more ideas proposed further down. A swimming pool is set to be built on the top floor of The Podium, which sits at the base of the tower.<\/p>\n And on the ground floor levels, MCR has proposed building shops and cafes as part of a new square along Howland Street, which will be completely open for public use.<\/p>\n When will the hotel be ready?<\/p>\n It is hoped that building work<\/a> will start in late 2029 when BT hands over the site to MCR, with construction hopefully completed in 2033.<\/p>\n BT said they did not want to \u2018hang on to something they no longer need\u2019, with many once-important features such as microwave aerials having been removed more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n \t\t Metro was treated to a final look at the building before it was shut for good. Inside was a time capsule of technology from the 60s and 70s, covered in a thick layer of dust.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Work has already begun to remove ageing wires, telephones and switchboards, all made redundant by technological<\/a> advancement.<\/p>\n \t\t Brent Mathews, Property Director at BT Group, said: \u2018The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we\u2019ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s played a vital role in carrying the nation\u2019s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we\u2019re delivering content and communication via other means.\u2019<\/p>\n MCR said: \u2018MCR intends to bring one of Britain\u2019s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel\u2011led, mixed\u2011use development that celebrates the BT Tower\u2019s rich heritage, complements Fitzrovia\u2019s historic character, and delivers meaningful placemaking and employment opportunities for the local community.\u2019<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"BT](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026650_349_SEI_250569224-1d2c.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe tower is in Fitzrovia, central London (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026651_33_SEI_296745101-5a9c.jpg\")
\n\t\tFloors seven to 23 within The Stick will be made into hotel rooms<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026651_143_SEI_296745185-23d7.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe top of the BT Tower could become an event space, with owners MCR asking for suggestions as part of the public consultation<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026652_72_SEI_296745193-0b27.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe ground area will also be built up to become a new square off Howland Street with new shops and cafes
\nMetro\u2019s final look inside the BT Tower<\/p>\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779026653_294_SEI_250434683-1571.jpg\")
\n\t\tMetro took one last look at the tower before evidence of its hay day is moved out(Picture: Belinda Jiao)<\/p>\n
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