The iconic BT Tower, a prominent feature of the London skyline, has been acquired for transformation into a hotel in a deal valued at £275 million.
Since its inauguration in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, the 177-metre tower (189 metres including the aerial) served as a crucial hub for television broadcasting signal transmission.
For a time, it stood as the tallest structure in London, surpassing others until the construction of the NatWest Tower. The BT Group has recently passed ownership to MCR Hotels - which owns/manages 150 hotels around the USA including: TWA Hotel at JFK Airport , Gramercy Park Hotel , The New Yorker and Pasadena Hotel & Pool in California.
The tower, once targeted by a bombing attributed to the IRA, had its public viewing areas permanently closed for safety and security enhancements. Despite its Grade II listed status, reflecting its architectural and historical significance, it also gained attention in a survey as one of London's least aesthetically pleasing buildings, second only to the Barbican Arts Centre.
Previously known as the Post Office Tower, its role in communications evolved with technological advancements, leading to the removal of its microwave aerials. The tower's public amenities, including a revolving restaurant managed by Billy Butlin, were once a major attraction, offering panoramic views of London. However, public access ceased following a bomb incident in 1971.
Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR Hotels, has expressed enthusiasm about conserving this cherished structure, planning to reimagine it as a landmark hotel that narrates its unique history and welcomes future generations.
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