Get you up to speed: London’s tallest pool may offer 580ft panoramic vistas | News UK
Plans to transform the BT Tower into a luxury hotel with a sky-high swimming pool and public access have been announced by MCR Hotels following its £275 million purchase.
Next week, MCR Hotels will hold public consultations at University College London to unveil its proposals for transforming the BT Tower into a luxury hotel.
Public consultation events about the BT Tower’s redevelopment plans will be held at University College London throughout May, led by MCR Hotels.
What we know so far
The BT Tower is set to undergo a significant transformation as plans emerge for a luxury hotel that could include a sky-high swimming pool. MCR Hotels is consulting the public next week about its proposals for the Grade II-listed landmark, after acquiring the site in 2024.
The ambitious plans call for a swimming pool perched at a height of 580 feet, along with the opening of the tower’s top to the public for the first time in nearly fifty years. The 34th floor, which once featured fine dining and observation areas, has remained closed since a bomb attack in 1971.
MCR Hotels aims to create a mixed-use development that preserves the building’s heritage while enhancing the area’s amenities. Public consultations will be held throughout May at University College London, allowing local residents to engage with the proposed changes.
A statement from MCR Hotels reads: “MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel‑led, mixed‑use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage.” The project also includes provisions for new shops, restaurants, and public spaces.
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London’s highest pool could feature 580ft panoramic views | News UK
The iconic BT tower could host a sky-high swimming pool and reopen to the public under fresh plans to turn the building into a luxury hotel.
The communications tower is set to be revamped after it was sold to MCR Hotels in 2024.
The American hotel chain is set to consult the public next week about its proposals for the Grade II-listed landmark.
The plans would see a swimming pool installed as high up as 580ft in the air for guests.
Bosses also want to open the top of the BT Tower to the public for the first time in almost half a century.
The structure’s 34th floor was a hub of fine dining and sightseeing trips until a bomb went off in one of the viewing galleries in 1971.
The blast damaged buildings and cars up to 400 yards away and forced the revolving restaurant and observation deck to close.
It was never clear who was behind the attack.
Anarchist group Angry Brigade claimed responsibility, but a call also came in from someone claiming to be from the Kilburn battalion of the IRA.
MCR Hotels has also included a new public square and walking routes through the site in its plans
The group wants new shops and restaurants to be installed as part of the revamp.
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Where is the BT Tower?
The BT sits in the middle of Fitzrovia in central London.
The main structure is 581 ft high, with a further section of
aerial rigging bringing the total height to 620 ft.
After it was built in 1964, it became the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower.
What is being done to the BT Tower?
BT Group has agreed to the sale of the tower for £275 million to MCR Hotels.
The chain is planning on preserving the iconic building, which has become a much-loved part of London’s skyline.
BT said they did not want to ‘hang on to something they no longer need’, with many once-important features such as microwave aerials being removed more than a decade ago.
A project team will be hosting public consultation events throughout May at University College London, to the public the chance to see the proposals for the site.
A statement from the project team reads: ‘MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel‑led, mixed‑use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage, complements Fitzrovia’s historic character, and delivers meaningful placemaking and employment opportunities for the local community.’