Iconic London landmark takes next step to finally reopen to the public after 46 years

Plans to reopen one of London’s most recognisable buildings have moved one step closer.

The BT Tower has been a figure on the city’s skyline since 1964. At 177m, back then, it was the second-tallest structure in the capital, built to handle the rapid increase of phone calls.

Two years later, the tower to the public, with a revolving restaurant, owned by Butlins, and a viewing platform, but by 1980, both had closed.

As a result the BT Tower has become a rather intriguing landmark: an LED screen installed in 2009 projects various messages to the city, including a countdown to the London 2012 Olympics, and even the Queen’s first tweet in 2014.

But few were actually granted inside. A rare opportunity to gain access during London’s annual Open House weekend in 2010 saw a staggery 35,000 people register interest in the 500 available slots.

But all that’s about to change. In 2024, news broke that American company MCR Hotels had landed a £275 deal to acquire the BT Tower, with plans to transform into a high-end hotel.

MCR Hotels appointed architectural firm Heatherwick Studio to oversee the development — the same people responsible for Coal Drops Yard and the Google HQ. At the time, they described it as an ‘amazing opportunity’.

But earlier this month, it emerged that Heatherwick Studio were no longer involved, potentially leaving the fate of the BT Tower hanging in the balance.

However, now, it’s been revealed by architectural magazine, Architect’s Journal, that a new team has taken over: Orms Architects, who are best known for the immersive light installation outside of Tottenham Court Road station.

What are the plans for the BT Tower hotel?

Orms plan to share their plans for the BT Tower in May, but a look back at their previous work gives us some clues.

In 2019, they refurbished and and renovated the former Camden Town Hall Annexe, which is now The Standard Hotel.

In charge of designing both the interior and exterior, Orms maintained the original Brutalist structure while adding three new stories (creating space for a total of 266 rooms) and introducing a striking red shuttle lift, that many Londoners will be familiar with.

Perhaps the firm will take a similar approach to their new project?

One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the reopening will be the iconic viewing platform, which is currently only accessible for private events.

The platform first closed in 1971, following an IRA bomb explosion in the men’s bathroom.

Orms has also confirmed that they will reopen the landmark’s rotating restaurant for the first time since its closure in 1980.

Historic England’s regional director Tom Foxall has expressed his satisfaction with MCR’s work so far, stating: ‘We are delighted that MCR is taking such a thoughtful approach to reusing and revitalising the BT Tower.

‘The emerging scheme will reinforce the significance of the Grade II-listed tower’s extraordinary architecture, ensuring its iconic presence remains on the London skyline, while also reconfiguring its internal spaces in ways that will bring both public enjoyment and economic growth’.

However we still have a bit of a wait before we can walk through the BT Tower’s doors.

Work on site cannot start until BT has completed its decommissioning and removal of its equipment — which isn’t scheduled until 2030.

Premier Inn opens new hotel in historic former police station

Just a stone’s throw from landmark London sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Fleet Street, Premier Inn’s sister brand, Hub, has just set up shop in a Victorian-era former police station, Snow Hill.

In fact, with a number of the Grade II Listed building’s original features still intact, alongside ‘luxury beds’ touch screen appliances, it could very well take the title of UK’s poshest Premier Inn.

The hotel features 212 rooms — including ‘heritage’ options and the more modern ones Hub is known for, in ‘standard’ and ‘bigger’ sizes — alongside an on-site restaurant offering continental and hot breakfast options and quick bites for lunch or dinner.

After acquiring the 1870s City of London building in 2020, Premier Inn owner Whitebread, has tastefully refurbished it, incorporating the work of two London-based artists — Hilary Yip and Leily Mojdehi.

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