Can you go inside the BT Tower and why was it closed?

THE BT Tower is one of the most fascinating features the skyline of our nation’s capital has to offer.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Grade II-listed London building.

What is the BT Tower?

On its completion in 1964, the 620ft BT Tower in Fitzrovia was the tallest structure in London — only to be overtaken by the NatWest Tower in 1980.

Opened by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1965, it was primarily used by television broadcasters to send signals across the country.

But over the years many of its original telecommunication functions have have been removed — its aerials were taken down over a decade ago.

The building was opened to the public in May 1966, complete with a number of amusements to keep them entertained.

For example, it was once home to a rotating restaurant, which would complete one full rotation every 23 minutes — offering diners an incredible 360-degree view of the city.

Tourists also used to be able to visit the tower once a year when it was opened up to the public.

Why was the BT Tower closed?

An IRA bomb exploded in the men’s toilets of the BT Tower’s revolving restaurant in 1971.

The restaurant was closed to the general public a few months later, but continued operating on an invitation-only basis.

Public access to the tower ended altogether in 1981.

The Top of the Tower restaurant reopened for two weeks in 2015 to celebrate the the tower’s 50th anniversary, with 1,400 lucky diners eating there.

Can you go inside the BT Tower and what does it look like?

It is not currently possible for the general public to go inside the BT Tower.

For those with an official reason to enter, airport security-style scanners meet all visitors, who must also provide photo ID.

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There is a scale model of the tower in the entrance corridor.

The interior is well decorated with life-sized models of London phone boxes and photographs of the tower decorating the walls.

It is fitted with two lifts to carry people to the top, both of which can accommodate up to 12 people.

Inside the elevators there are diagrams of the tower, which light up as they ascend, showing how high they are.

The revolving 34th storey offers incredible views of London, with floor-to-ceiling windows all the way around.

Who owns the BT tower?

The tower was formerly owned by BT Group, before it was announced on February 21, 2024 that it had been sold to US-based MCR Hotels in a £275million deal, with plans for it to be converted into a luxury hotel.

Property director of BT Group Brent Mathews said the decision came because of the company “increasingly delivering content and communication via other means”.

He added: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984.

“This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”

CEO and owner of MCR Hotels Tyler Morse said: “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.”

When will the BT Tower open as a hotel?

More is to be revealed as designs are finalised, including how many rooms the hotel will feature and how much they will cost to stay in.

According to the BT Group, due to the complexity and amount of technical equipment currently inside the landmark, it will take “a number of years to vacate the premises”.

An official opening date for the hotel is yet to be confirmed, with MCR Hotels announcing it will “consider how to best reimagine its use as a hotel”.