Barbican: details of major overhaul for iconic London space that's 'deteriorated significantly'

In a release, the Barbican Centre notes that since its opening in 1982 on London’s biggest post-war bombsite it has ‘deteriorated significantly’. In December, the City of London Corporation, which is the centre’s founder and principal funder, committed £191 million to support the first five-year phase of works. The centre is also planning to fundraise to help pay for repairs.

The public consultation, which is to run until February 17, details planned changes to the three identified areas. On the Foyers, it is proposed that they are reworked to improve flexibility and to include art and performance. Improvements to lighting, new facilities and upgrades to doors and lifts are among the works listed.

The Lakeside is to be repaved to address leaking and the fountains are to be upgraded. New planting, lighting and glazing are also mooted.

And on the Conservatory, it is proposed that the space is made fully accessible and able to remain open for longer, plus other works to improve the experience. Architects Allies and Morrison and Asif Khan Studio are leading on the designs alongside engineers Buro Happold, while landscape designers Harris Bugg Studio are to work on the Conservatory scheme.

Go beyond the story - sign up for our LondonWorld newsletter

Philippa Simpson, director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, said: “The Barbican has always been about renewal, a beacon of an optimistic future in the wake of the Second World War. This project is rooted in the vision and ambition of its founders, to reimagine what an arts centre can be in the 21st century, a vital, creative space for everyone. This consultation is crucial to ensuring the plans reflect the needs of audiences, while celebrating the history and heritage of this special site.”

Oliver Heywood, director at Allies and Morrison, said: “The Barbican is one of London’s most iconic spaces. Our goal is to honour the centre’s original bold architectural legacy, while making it more inclusive, sustainable, and fit for the future.”

Check out the latest developments in London

The consultation feedback will feed into the next stage of the plans to be published in May. Construction is then expected to begin in 2027 subject to planning permission. An in-person exhibition is also to be held in the centre’s Level G Studio on February 1.

Early last year the Corporation said the centre is in need of a total of £451m worth of essential works, based on an estimate from a consultant. This is to be spread over the next 20-25 years, and includes repairing and replacing infrastructure to meet accessibility and net-zero requirements.