Final look of London’s iconic BT Tower before sale to hotel chain for £275,000,000

Once the heart of the country’s most modern technology, the BT Tower is now being stripped out.  

But before it is converted into a hotel, Metro took a look inside the iconic 620ft structure in its current form one last time.  

A rare treat as entry to the building has been limited after a bomb went off in one of the viewing galleries in 1971, putting an end to the days of fine dining and sight-seeing trips on the 34th floor.  

Now work has officially started to move out the now aging wires, telephone exchanges and switchboards in place for beds and ensuites by 2030.

As I entered one of the former BT work floors, I was transported back in time. Inside was a time capsule of technology from the 60s and 70s, covered in a thick layer of dust.  

Anne Archer, archivist at BT, told Metro: ‘No matter what, the history of this building will always be preserved – there is no other building like this.

‘But the new owners may be able to make the most of it more now. If a restaurant opens up inside the new hotel, more people will be able to come again.’

What do the hidden floors of the BT Tower look like?

Machines with all kinds of knobs, dials and input ports were neatly stacked on top of one another. How anyone can know how to use them is beyond me.  

One machine bore a sticker reading ‘DO NOT REMOVE FLANGE’ in blue block capitals. However long ago it was written that sign has been taken seriously and it appears as though the flange is, indeed, still in place.  

Even a forgotten salt shaker and handbook sit at a desk after its previous owner put them down – but never came back up to the floor again.

One day they were fiddling with all equipment as part of their daily life, and then suddenly, the next day, they were not.  

Work has already started to get rid of the ageing wires, telephones and switchboards, all made redundant by technological advancement. What will become of them is not known.  

But it is possible the metal will be recycled, MCR will choose to keep it or it will be preserved in the archives.

Can you go up the BT Tower?

Perhaps the building’s most unique feature is it’s revolving top storey.  

The 34th floor of the BT Tower is one of the few areas of the building which looks like it has been touched the 21st century.

Accessed by a high-speed 30-second lift, it is the only part that’s been modernised and will likely be a highlight in its future as a hotel. 

Anne tells me that she hopes that MCR hotel’s plans for the BT Tower means more people will be able to experience that awe-inspiring vista. 

Anne said: ‘Because 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.

‘So it offers this stunning panoramic view.’

The space is mainly used for private booked events, meaning tourists are unable to simply book a ticket and take the lift up to have a look.

Where is the BT Tower?

The BT sits in the middle of Fitzrovia in central London.

The main structure is 581 ft high, with a further section of
aerial rigging bringing the total height to 620 ft.

After it was built in 1964, it became the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower.

What is being done to the BT Tower?

BT Group has agreed to the sale of the tower for £275 million to MCR Hotels.

The chain is planning on preserving the iconic building, which is firmly a part of London’s skyline.

BT said they did not want to ‘hang on to something they no longer need’, with many once-important features such as microwave aerials being removed more than a decade ago.

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.’

MCR said they want to preserve the building as much they can, with the hope more people will now be able to access it.

Tyler Morse, CEO and owner of MCR Hotels, said: ‘We are proud to preserve this beloved building and will work to develop proposals to tell its story as an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.’

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