London’s Iconic BT Tower Sold to Become Luxury Hotel

London‘s iconic BT Tower, once a pinnacle of telecommunications in the city, has been sold to MCR Hotels for £275m, marking a significant shift in the tower’s purpose. The tower, opened in 1965 by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson, played a key role in broadcasting but has now transformed into a luxury hotel destination.

The BT Tower, standing at 177 meters, held the title of London’s tallest building for 16 years until the NatWest Tower surpassed it. Following the sale by BT Group, property director Brent Mathews expressed that this move would ensure the preservation of the iconic building for future generations.

C20, an architectural heritage group, welcomes the sale, emphasizing the potential reinstatement of the tower’s famous revolving restaurant. Originally known as the Post Office Tower, its public access was eventually closed due to changing communication technologies.

Early on, visitors could enjoy the restaurant run by Billy Butlin with panoramic views of central London. However, a bomb blast in 1971 prompted increased security measures and a closure of the top floor to the public. The BT Tower continues to be a significant fixture in popular culture, appearing in various films and television series.

MCR Hotels, the new owners, have expressed plans to develop the BT Tower into a luxury hotel experience, preserving its legacy as an iconic London landmark. Catherine Croft, representing C20 Society, anticipates the restoration of the revolving restaurant, a feature that would offer guests unrivaled views of the city.

Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS insight, notes the historical significance of the tower and sees the move as a positive transformation, highlighting the excitement around repurposing such a distinct structure into a leisure destination. The sale marks a new chapter in the tower’s story, catering to a new generation of visitors seeking a unique accommodation experience.

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