The BT tower

[Pixel Pusher]

Excuse camera phone pic. (It's not meant to remind anyone what it is, just to show how close I work to it).

So I really don't know what actually goes on in there. What does it do? Anyone actually been in there or up to the top?

It did have some big radar type dishes on there earlier in the year but they all got taken down.

I do know that years ago it used to have a restaurant at the top that rotated.

Ta.

Edited by Pixel Pusher on Tuesday 16th October 11:02

[Ikemi]

Pixel Pusher said:

So I really don't know what actually goes in in there.

Considering BT's customer service, I'd hazard a guess at 'not a lot' ...

[AndyNetwork]

It used to be a relay station for microwave links. However, I don't think it is used for anything now, but is too big and well known to take down.

[Papa Hotel]

Ask GCHQ.

[AndyNetwork]

Papa Hotel said:

Ask GCHQ.

That and the "chminey" at the Atomic research establishment near Risley - used to intercept communications to Northern Ireland.

[Pixel Pusher]

Is it all hush hush then? Secret squirrel and all that?

[djfaulkner]

I can ask the other half, she works for BT.

My brother calls it her Mecca

[Pixel Pusher]

djfaulkner said:

I can ask the other half, she works for BT.

My brother calls it her Mecca

[mattdaniels]

The restaurant is still there but not been open to the public for many many years. There was talk of it re-opening a couple of years ago but the plans got shelved. I think (not 100% sure) you can go in there and visit during the "Open London" event that runs once a year.

[Synchromesh]

Small world. View from my courtyard (uncropped iphone pic for scale)...

[Papa Hotel]

Pixel Pusher said:

Is it all hush hush then? Secret squirrel and all that?

I could tell you... but then "they" would have to kill me. That would ruin my day somewhat.

[Liszt]

Thought the microwave dishes were removed as they were old techniology and no longer used. Also think that it is now used for routing/controlling tv broadcasts.

Yep seems I was right.

Wikipedia said:

The tower is still in use, and is the site of a major UK communications hub. Microwave links have been replaced by subterranean fibre optic links for most mainstream purposes, but the former is still in use at the tower. The second floor of the base of the tower contains the TV Network Switching Centre which carries broadcasting traffic and relays signals between television broadcasters (including the BBC), production companies, advertisers, international satellite services and uplink companies

Edited by Liszt on Tuesday 16th October 11:41

[chucklebutty]

We got hosted at BT for an industry seminar about 4 years ago and then whisked up the formerly record breaking lifts to the top for wine and nibbles. They set the thing rotating.

What is confusing is that the entrance/toilets are in the fixed centre, so when you need to go, they've moved...

[Pixel Pusher]

Synchromesh said:

Small world.

What street is that on?

I promise I won't stalk you

[Vieste]

Papa Hotel said:

Ask GCHQ.

What he said saying that most of it has now gone.

[Synchromesh]

Pixel Pusher said:

Synchromesh said:

Small world.

What street is that on?

I promise I won't stalk you

I'm on Maple. Maybe you could help with my other thread, bearing in mind I already know ICCo (in fact, heading there now, will probably pass your office on Whitfeild en-route).

[Lost_BMW]

Papa Hotel said:

Pixel Pusher said:

Is it all hush hush then? Secret squirrel and all that?

I could tell you... but then "they" would have to kill me. That would ruin my day somewhat.

Suitcase in a bath perchance?

[Pixel Pusher]

Synchromesh said:

I'm on Maple. Maybe you could help with my other thread, bearing in mind I already know ICCo (in fact, heading there now, will probably pass your office on Whitfeild en-route).

Well if you are heading down Whitfield street, it's got to be Gigs for pie n chips!

[Pixel Pusher]

Papa Hotel said:

I could tell you... but then "they" would have to kill me. That would ruin my day somewhat.

I certainly wouldn't want that.

Best keep mum.

[Pixel Pusher]

chucklebutty said:

We got hosted at BT for an industry seminar about 4 years ago and then whisked up the formerly record breaking lifts to the top for wine and nibbles. They set the thing rotating.

What is confusing is that the entrance/toilets are in the fixed centre, so when you need to go, they've moved...

I'm not sure I could cope with a few drinks and a moving floor that high up.