Hotel owner-operator MCR Hotels is inviting the public to provide feedback on development plans for London’s iconic BT Tower as a luxury hotel and mixed use project.

Public access to the tower – for the first time in 50 years – will also be part of the scheme.

In February 2024, British telecommunications company BT Group sold the BT Tower for £275 million (US$347 million, €321.3 million) to MCR Hotels.

MCR is a US-based hotel owner-operator with a US$50 billion (€46 billion, £39 billion) portfolio of 150 hotels, including The High Line Hotel in New York.

Companies involved in the development of the 620-ft high, Grade II-listed BT Tower include London-based architect Orms Architects, Donald Insall Associates which provides heritage and conservation consultancy, and planning consultancy Newmark.

Project development management will be by Edit and Lowick is the community engagement consultant.

MCR describes the project as “a sensitive, heritage-led building evolution with sustainability and community at its core.” Locals can provide feedback before MCR submits its planning application and listed building consent to the local council (Camden) this September.

The building’s original concrete structure will be retained and a circular approach will be applied to materials. 

Features

There will be a new publicly accessible square at the base of the building alongside other enhanced public spaces, new retail and food and beverage outlets. Pedestrian walkways will be created to allow the public to stand and look up at the tower from below for the first time. 

Hotel rooms will be located in the tower itself – in the section known as The Stick – as well as in the original Podium building that sits below the tower. At the top of the Podium and above the public square there will be a publicly accessible swimming pool.

At the bottom of the Podium, will be a large area described as “amenity space,” which could provide spa and wellness services.

The aerial galleries above The Stick once held satellite dishes, but they now provide opportunities for event spaces, art exhibitions and other cultural engagement experiences.

Timeline

BT is still in the process of moving out of the building. The company will take several years to vacate the premises, due to the scale and complexity of the work to move technical equipment.

This opportunity to provide feedback on design plans is the first of two rounds, with the second due to take place in July. 

MCR and the companies involved will apply for planning permission in September.

In 2029 BT will hand over the site to MCR for construction to begin.

The project is projected to complete in 2033.