Construction of the BT Tower 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. It was designed by the Ministry of Public Building and Works and M.H. Bristow was the senior architect. It has 26 storeys, housing technical areas and offices, and five levels of circular aerial galleries at the top. There is a roof-mounted crane.