London’s famous BT Tower is to be turned into a hotel after being sold for £275 million.
The 177-metre landmark, which opened in 1965 as the main hub for UK communication networks, was the capital’s tallest building for 16 years until the NatWest Tower was built.
Originally called the Post Office Tower, it had a revolving restaurant on the top floor that gave 360-degree views of London as it turned completely every 23 minutes. The restaurant was temporarily closed after a bomb explosion on Halloween in 1971 and was shut permanently in 1981.
Owners BT Group has sold the building to MCR Hotels, which operates 150 hotels in the US including New York’s High Line hotel and the TWA hotel at JFK airport.
MCR Hotels said it will liaise with local communities before putting a final design plan together but said it will be years before the hotel becomes operational.
“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 any proposals come forward,” it said.
MCR Chief Executive and owner Tyler Morse added: “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.”
The tower has Grade II listed status, so work will be subject to strict planning rules.
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The 177-metre landmark, which opened in 1965 as the main hub for UK communication networks, was the capital’s tallest building for 16 years until the NatWest Tower was built.
Originally called the Post Office Tower, it had a revolving restaurant on the top floor that gave 360-degree views of London as it turned completely every 23 minutes. The restaurant was temporarily closed after a bomb explosion on Halloween in 1971 and was shut permanently in 1981.
Owners BT Group has sold the building to MCR Hotels, which operates 150 hotels in the US including New York’s High Line hotel and the TWA hotel at JFK airport.
MCR Hotels said it will liaise with local communities before putting a final design plan together but said it will be years before the hotel becomes operational.
“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 any proposals come forward,” it said.
MCR Chief Executive and owner Tyler Morse added: “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.”
The tower has Grade II listed status, so work will be subject to strict planning rules.
The post BT Tower set to become a hotel appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
