The architect for the Post Office Tower, who was worried that his building would be deemed ugly by people, was thrilled to find an empty spot near Tottenham Court Road.
Eric Bedford stated that central London was the “one place that amenity people couldn’t defend on the basis of architectural beauty”.
Thomas Heatherwick is the British designer who designed the cauldron that blazed at the 2012 London Olympics.
BT, formerly British Telecom (BT), which owned the 177 metre building since 1983, announced Wednesday that it had sold it to the hotel group MCR for £275million.
The group is the third-largest hotel owner and operator of America. It has a reputation as a redeveloper, and it’s done some interesting things, like transforming the old Trans World Airlines building in the JFK Airport in New York.
BT plans to remove the equipment in “several” years. The microwave antennae have been removed since 2011. However, the tower still has radio systems and offices.
Heritage experts expressed regret that the building’s original purpose would be lost after its completion in 1964.
Lisa Kinch is a qualified architect at Lancaster University who is currently researching the tower for her doctorate. She said, “I am sure many people will mourn it.” If they convert it appropriately, then the building will remain and serve as a memorial to its final function. “If they left it standing, it would not last very long.”
Geraint Frank, an architectural inspector for Historic England, stated that the building will continue to serve as a “symbol of technological progress”.
Catherine Croft of the Twentieth Century Society expressed her delight that the building survived and would reopen for the public.
The tower has been used in recent years to monitor air quality in the capital.
“I think that we need to be realistic. The telecommunications industry has evolved tremendously. The building is a beloved and well-known landmark that needs to be preserved, but it must find a new purpose.”
In 1966, after two years of construction and one year following the official opening by Harold Wilson, the tower attracted an average of 3,000 visitors per day. It peaked at 5,800. In 1971, a terrorist attack blew a hole through the tower after it had received more than four-and-a-half million visitors.
In June 1980, the viewing galleries and restaurant closed. Since then, visitors invited by BT or its partners have noted that the security is tighter than the Houses of Parliament, and that a lift attendant is present to make sure that no one gets off the wrong floor.
Some people have questioned whether the building is suitable for a hotel. Franklin stated that the tower has a 15-metre diameter. The central core takes up most of this space. The building was built to accommodate equipment, not people.
The 34th floor is the widest part, measuring 158 meters high and almost 20 metres long. Franklin stated that the lower glazed section of the tower has floor plates, but they are very narrow.
Historic England stated that due to the grade II listing of the building, Camden Council would need to approve any changes. However, they noted that previous planning applications for the removal of antennae and installation an LED screen were successful.
The BT Tower symbolizes the 1960s affluence and confidence, as well as the race for space. The high-speed lifts have been described as “a miniature trip into space” and the rotating rooftop restaurant has been compared to a satellite.
BT is selling its former headquarters, BT Centre, in July 2019 for £210 million. This sale is part of its efforts to reduce its portfolio of properties, streamline its operations, and cut costs. In July 2019, BT sold its former headquarters BT Centre for £210million.
Tyler Morse said, “We’re proud to be the owners and stewards of the iconic BT Tower.” We will carefully craft proposals that honor the rich history of the London landmark and make it accessible to all.
Ben Wood, CCS Insight’s chief analyst, said that many people in the telecommunications sector considered the sale to be the “end” of an era. However, he added that “the highly impractical and expensive building, which requires a lot of maintenance, is likely of less strategic significance to BT, now that its consumer brand, EE, has been transitioned”.
“The public have not had access to the BT Tower in years, so many people will jump at this opportunity to stay inside such an iconic building.” He continued: It is exciting to see such an iconic building being converted for recreational use.