BT Tower
The BT Tower is a grade II listed communications tower in Fitzrovia, London, England, owned by BT Group. It was also known as the GPO Tower and the Post Office Tower. It was later officially renamed the Telecom Tower. The main structure is 581 feet (177 m) high, with a further section of aerial rigging bringing the total height to 620 feet (189 m).
| BT Tower | |
|---|---|
BT Tower in 2022 | |
| Record height | |
| Tallest in the United Kingdom from 1964 to 1980[I] | |
| Preceded by | Millbank Tower |
| Surpassed by | Tower 42 |
| General information | |
| Type | Offices |
| Location | London, W1T United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51.5215°N 0.1389°W |
| Construction started | 1961 |
| Completed | 1964 |
| Owner | British Telecommunications plc |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 620 feet (189 m) |
| Roof | 581 feet (177 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 37 |
| Lifts/elevators | 2 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Eric Bedford |
| Main contractor | Peter Lind & Company |
Upon completion in 1964, it overtook the Millbank Tower as the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was overtaken by the NatWest Tower. It was opened in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson. A 360° coloured LED screen near the top of the tower displays news across central London.
In February 2024, BT Group announced the sale of the tower to MCR Hotels, who plan to turn it into a hotel. BT will retain ownership for a few years until the tower has been vacated.