Image: The exterior of the Barbican Centre (Barbican Centre)
Barbican Centre and City of London Corporation invite proposals for vacant exhibition halls covering 36 tennis courts worth of space, available 2028.
The Barbican Centre and City of London Corporation have launched an exercise to explore potential future uses for two vacant exhibition halls as part of the Barbican Renewal programme.
The vacant spaces cover approximately 9,500 square metres across two levels, equivalent to 36 tennis courts of unused area. Previously hosting conferences and commercial exhibitions, the halls provided income for the Barbican but have remained largely dormant since 2010.
Expressions of interest are being sought from organisations across creative, commercial and civic sectors with ideas to return the spaces to public and productive use.
The initiative forms part of phase two of the Barbican Renewal project. Phase one concentrates on the Foyers, Lakeside and Conservatory areas.
The halls are positioned at a strategic location within the Square Mile between the new London Museum, Smithfield Market, the Barbican Centre and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Philippa Simpson, Director for Buildings and Renewal, says: “Sitting at the heart of the cultural life of the City, the Barbican’s Exhibition Halls offer an unparalleled opportunity to shape the creative and commercial future of the Capital. We are excited to explore the possibilities for bringing these extraordinary spaces back to life, and to work in closer dialogue with neighbouring sites and venues to bring new audiences to the Square Mile.”
Long-term models or partnership opportunities are welcomed, particularly those reflecting cultural or creative value whilst activating the area for visitors and local community, it said.
