MCR Hotels (MCR) has agreed a deal to buy the BT Tower from BT Group for £275m and plans to convert the iconic Grade II-listed tower into a hotel.
MCR is partnering with Camden-based Heatherwick Studio to consider how best to reimagine its use as a hotel.
It will take BT Group a number of years to vacate the premises, due to the scale and complexity of the work to move technical equipment, giving MCR time to work up plans for the redevelopment and engage with local communities before any proposals are put forward.
Tyler Morse, CEO and owner of MCR, 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. We see many parallels between the TWA Hotel and the BT Tower. Both are world-renowned, groundbreaking pieces of architecture. It’s been a privilege to adapt the TWA Flight Center into new use for future generations, as it will be the BT Tower.”
Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, added: “My team and I are thrilled to partner with MCR to reimagine the BT Tower. This is an extraordinary building and an amazing opportunity to bring it back to life. We’re excited at the prospect of working with Fitzrovia’s residents and with many thousands of Londoners, to repurpose this important piece of the city’s living heritage.”
