BT Tower to become hotel after Muhammad Ali and Paul McCartney guest stays

21 February 2024 , 20:45

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The BT Tower has been sold to a US hotel business (Image: PA)

Its space station-style structure has loomed over London since 1964, and played host to famous faces just as towering, including Muhammad Ali and Mick Jagger.

And now the BT Tower is about to embark on its next defining chapter with plans to turn it into a swanky hotel after being bought for £275million by American chain MCR Hotels.

Telecoms giant BT yesterday said advances in technology meant it no longer needed the 620ft landmark, which was commissioned by the General Post Office to handle growth in TV and telephone links across the country.

Originally known as the Post Office Tower, it cost £9m to build and was London’s tallest building for 16 years. The Shard, built in 2012, is London’s tallest building today at 1,016ft.

Muhammad Ali visited the tower in July 1966 (Daily Herald)

PM Harold Wilson opened it in 1965, and the following year the Queen had tea in its 34th floor rotating restaurant. The first of its kind in the UK, it revolves at 2.5 times an hour and was managed by Butlin’s.

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Also in 1966, pop beacons Paul McCartney, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and Ringo Starr attended Melody Maker’s Pop Poll luncheon.

Queen Elizabeth II and then Minister of Technology Anthony Benn visiting the site when it was known as the Post Office Tower (Getty Images)

But an IRA bomb closed the restaurant in 1971 for two years, followed by its final service in 1980. It can still be rotated for special events and, in 1984, Noel Edmonds broadcast a Christmas show from the tower, in Fitzrovia.

Brent Mathews, property director for BT Group, said: “We’ve been immensely proud to be the owners since 1984, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communications via other means.”

Paul McCartney, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and Ringo Starr (Getty Images)

Tyler Morse, owner of MCR Hotels, said: “We are proud to preserve this beloved building, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.”

Graham Hiscott