Alistair Hardaker
Image: A render of the plans for the Barbican (Kin Creatives)
Major investment secures future of Grade II-listed arts venue with retrofit-first approach and one-year closure planned for 2028-29.
The City of London Corporation has approved the delivery plan for the Barbican Renewal Programme, a £191m investment to secure the future of the arts venue for the next 50 years.
The funding package, announced in December last year, is designed to revitalise the Centre’s creative and performance spaces. The programme will restore the building’s brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace and Conservatory in the first phase, which focuses on opening public spaces and upgrading infrastructure.
The project adopts a retrofit-first approach to boost sustainability and protect the Grade II-listed estate. Materials such as conservatory glass and pavers will be reused to reduce carbon emissions. The programme includes safety and security works to maintain the Centre as a public venue.
Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Barbican now attracts millions of visitors annually. The Renewal is hoped to increase accessibility through a new multi-faith room, increased bathroom provision, improved wayfinding and full accessibility in the Conservatory.
Barbican Centre appoints new CEO as £191m renewal programme advances
Most Barbican programmes within the Centre will pause for one year from the end of June 2028 to June 2029 to deliver the upgrades. Cinemas on Beech Street will remain open, and the Barbican will programme with partners including residents the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Shakespeare Company during this period.
Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, said: “Today’s decision secures the Barbican Centre’s future as a world-leading cultural and economic powerhouse. Our major investment strengthens its role as an international destination for audiences and artists, supporting thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions for London’s economy. Delivering these works quickly will ensure the Barbican can welcome even more people into a fully accessible, future-ready Centre.”
Sir William Russell, chair of the Barbican Board, said the plan “strengthens its role as an international destination for audiences and artists, supporting thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions for London’s economy.”
The City Corporation’s £191m contribution represents around 80 per cent of the funding needed for the first five-year phase, with the remainder to be raised through a Barbican fundraising campaign. The plans were backed by more than 90 per cent of respondents in a public consultation.
