US hotel owner-operator MCR has announced plans to redevelop London’s iconic BT Tower as a hotel.
The 189-metre tower in Fitzrovia was opened in 1965 and at the time was the tallest structure in London.
The Grade II listed building has previously housed a revolving restaurant, but this was closed in 1971 following an explosion, and public access to the tower ceased in the early 1980s, although it has continued to be used for corporate and charity events.
MCR said that it would partner with London-based Heatherwick Studio “to consider how best to reimagine its use as a hotel”.
Readers eager to visit the forthcoming hotel may have some time to wait though – MCR said that “BT Group will take a number of years to vacate the premises, due to the scale and complexity of the work to move technical equipment, and there will be significant time for design development and engagement with local communities before proposals are revealed”.
MCR also owns and operates The High Line Hotel on New York’s 10th Avenue, as well as the TWA Hotel at JFK airport which opened in 2019, and is currently redeveloping the Gramercy Park Hotel.
Commenting on the news Tyler Morse, CEO and owner of MCR, said:
“We are proud to become owners and custodians of the iconic BT Tower. We will take our time to carefully develop proposals that respect the London landmark’s rich history and open the building for everyone to enjoy.”
“We see many parallels between the TWA Hotel and the BT Tower. Both are world-renowned, groundbreaking pieces of architecture. It’s been a privilege to adapt the TWA Flight Center into new use for future generations, as it will be the BT Tower.”
For our comprehensive guide to hotels which have opened in London in the last the couple of years, click here, and for our look at forthcoming properties in the UK capital, see:
