Orms Appointed to Lead Redevelopment of London's BT Tower into Hotel

"BT Tower, one of London's most recognizable postwar landmarks, is set to be converted into a hotel. London-based architecture practice Orms has been appointed to lead the redevelopment following the acquisition of the Grade II-listed tower by the American hospitality company MCR Hotels in early 2024."

"Located in Fitzrovia, the tower was completed in 1964 as the Post Office Tower and rises to a height of 177 meters. Designed by architects working for the Ministry of Public Building and Works, the structure was built to carry microwave aerials transmitting telecommunications traffic between London and the rest of the United Kingdom."

"Beyond its technical infrastructure, the tower originally included several public amenities, such as viewing galleries, a souvenir shop, and a rotating restaurant located near its upper levels. However, public access to the building was gradually restricted after a bombing in 1971."

"The redevelopment aims to adapt the tower for hospitality use while preserving its architectural and cultural significance. Early plans suggest that the project could restore the building's historic rotating restaurant, which last operated in 1980, alongside new hotel functions and public-facing spaces."

BT Tower, a Grade II-listed postwar landmark completed in 1964 in Fitzrovia, stands 177 meters tall and was London's tallest structure until 1980. Originally designed as the Post Office Tower to carry microwave telecommunications, it featured public amenities including viewing galleries and a rotating restaurant until public access was restricted following a 1971 bombing. MCR Hotels acquired the tower in early 2024, appointing Orms architecture practice to lead its conversion into a hotel. The redevelopment aims to preserve the building's architectural significance while adapting it for hospitality use. Public consultations are scheduled for May, though construction cannot commence until BT Group completes decommissioning and removal of telecommunications equipment, expected around 2030.

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