British Telecom Tower

As a kid, the sight of the BT tower used to get me all excited. It meant one thing: a day out in the big city that would probably involve sweets and some new shoes.
From whichever angle you approach the city; the tower is there — gazing over the city with watchful 1960s elegance.
It was built in 1966, with a distinctive square shape rising to a series of circular galleries at the top. If you count the crane, the tower soars to a massive 152 metres.
I love the way it is now lit up in white, blue and red at night-​time.
The last of the old analogue dishes were removed from the tower in February 2012, leaving 80 smaller dishes at the top. Whilst technology is changing, the BT Tower will always be a special part of Birmingham.

You can literally see this tower from everywhere in Birmingham. To me, it’s like a compass for the whole city. If you ever get lost in the centre of Brum, always head for the telecom, and from here, you’ll find exactly where you’re meant to be.
The tower was originally built in 1966, where it has been previously know as the Post Office Tower and the GPO Tower, and it’s actually the tallest building in the city.
BT tower always reminds me of home, especially when I’ve been travelling to and from uni over the past three years. Every time I’ve seen the monument outside my train window, I get that warm welcoming feel in my heart.
I think the greatest thing about the BT Tower is the fact that you can see it for miles. I love viewing the city from the lickey Hills, and still making out one of Birmingham’s most famous landmarks.

I remember when the BT tower was painted up like a giant cigarette, you know back in the day when Birmingham was still cast under the spell of the 1970’s.
Since then a lots changed in Birmingham, not least of all it’s skyline but the BT tower is still recognisable as an iconic building and a clear land mark for ‘the second city’.
In fact I remember when the Science Museum was down Newhall street and standing beneath the BT tower and marvelling up at it’s giddying tallness.
I happened to pass it again recently and still found myself marvelling up at the downright magnificence of the building.
No longer the giant cigarette of Birmingham, it’s recieved a fresh lick of white paint and also some new lights to modernise it and rehabilitate it into the now more modern city centre.
If approaching the city from the North is still thunders as the definitve landmark that says: «you are now entering Birmingham» and struck me most poignantly after returning home after some six months away from the city.
I don’t think Birmingham would be Birmingham without the BT tower.