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One of London’s most iconic but off-limits buildings is one step closer to opening up to the public, as Shoreditch-based architecture firm Orms has been appointed to transform the BT Tower into a boutique hotel.
As we told you at the time (way back in February 2024), American hotel chain MCR bought the spindly Fitzrovia superstar from BT Group for a cool £275 million. This was incredibly exciting news, as the former centre of the ‘white heat of technology’ (as then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson dubbed the communications centre upon its opening in 1964) had reduced public access after anarchist collective the Angry Brigade set off a bomb there in 1971.
When MCR’s acquisition of the Grade II-listed building was first announced, Camden’s Heatherwick Studio was in the hot seat to oversee the redevelopment. Founder Thomas Heatherwick, whose company designed Coal Drops Yard and the seriously swanky Google Offices, described the venue as ‘extraordinary’ and expressed excitement about the ‘amazing opportunity to bring it back to life’.
It’s not clear why Heatherwick has stepped back from the project; a spokesperson simply told Architect’s Journal: ‘Heatherwick Studio and MCR had been working together on the development of the BT Tower. We are no longer involved and wish MCR every success for the future of the project.’
All eyes will be on Orms when the firm reveals its initial ideas for the renovation during the first public consultation, which is expected to be held in May. The company certainly has form when it comes to boutique hotels, as it transformed Camden Council’s brutalist HQ, opposite St. Pancras Station into the upmarket Standard in 2019. Orms also worked on the Outernet, the dazzling immersive space next to Tottenham Court Road station, which became London’s most popular attraction in 2023.
Historic England’s regional director Tom Foxall has been chuffed with MCR’s work so far, saying: ‘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.’
MCR chair and chief executive Tyler Morse, meanwhile, said in a statement: ‘The BT Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Our vision is simple: to bring the tower back into public use in a way that celebrates what makes it special and gives back to London. We’re excited!’
Us too! Although the viewing platform closed in 1971, the building’s famous revolving restaurant, Top of the Tower, reopened until the lease ran out and it served its last in 1980. Aside from private events, it’s been hard to catch a glimpse of the tower's amazing panoramic views ever since. See you at the top.
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