The City of London Corporation has approved a £191 million funding package to support critical repairs and upgrades at the iconic Barbican Centre.
The move was agreed by elected Members of the City Corporation’s top decision-making body, the Court of Common Council.
The package will fund phase one of the Barbican Renewal Programme, a five-year project of works to secure the future of the grade-II listed site.
The centre was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1982, who declared it ‘one of the wonders of the modern world’.
Future works aim to safeguard its future as a ‘leading arts venue’ by making it fit for the 21st century, with improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency.
The Programme is one of several transformative projects delivered by the City Corporation, including:
- The Salisbury Square Development, which will house the new City of London Police HQ and multi-courts complex
- The new London Museum at West Smithfield
The Barbican Renewal Programme is regarded as a key component of ‘Destination City’: the City Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a ‘world-leading’ business, culture and leisure location.
The £191 million package represents around 80 per cent of the amount needed for the first five-year phase of the Barbican’s long-term renewal programme.
A major fundraising campaign will be launched by the Barbican Centre in 2025 for the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue.
This includes upgrades to its unique brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory, helping to make major sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met.
The project aims to sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old.
Built between 1971-1982, the Barbican relies on aged and outdated systems, and an ambitious programme of restoration is needed.
Design team: The Barbican Renewal Programme is led by
- Allies and Morrison
- Asif Khan Studio
- Buro Happold
Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027 with the first phase complete for 2032.
City Corporation policy chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “The Barbican Centre is a fantastic international venue with an exciting future.
“This funding underlines our support, recognising its unique role as a leading cultural institution and driver of economic growth, contributing £86 million a year to the UK economy and supporting around 1,100 jobs across London.
“The Barbican Centre is central to the Square Mile’s cultural identity and plays a pivotal role in our attractiveness as a place to work and visit.”
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