The BT Tower, formerly known as the Post Office Tower and the GPO Tower, is a landmark and telecommunications tower in Birmingham, England. Until 2024 it was the tallest structure in the city, being surpassed by the topping out of both the Octagon and One Eastside that year, which now share the title. Its Post Office code was YBMR.
History
The first microwave telecommunications relay in Birmingham, set up in 1949, used a metal tower on the roof of Telephone House, a 1930s building near to the eventual site of the BT Tower, and also on Lionel Street.[2]
Construction of the tower, then known as the Post Office Tower as it was built for the General Post Office, which operated the UK's telephone service, commenced in July 1963 and was completed in September 1965. The tower became operational in December 1966 and was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Alderman James S. Meadows, on 5 October 1967.[3] It was designed by the Ministry of Public Building and Works and M.H. Bristow was the senior architect.[4]