Stunning new pictures reveal Barbican’s incredible facelift for lakeside, conservatory and foyers

The Grade-II listed cultural destination, which is part of the wider Barbican complex, revealed the images as it launched its second round of consultation on the proposed revamp.

The three spaces in question, the conservatory, lakeside and foyers, are to be developed as part of the Centre’s ‘Renewal’ programme, on which construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Assuming all goes to plan, the works are to be completed by 2030, two years ahead of the Barbican Centre’s 50th anniversary.

More than 90 per cent of respondents to the first consultation held earlier this year supported the initial proposal, the Centre has said. The designs have since been updated alongside two co-design groups involving people aged 18 to 30 years old.

The plans include upgrading the conservatory with additional planting and a new water feature and works to the lakeside terrace. The foyers will also be redesigned to be more inclusive and with improved facilities.

Philippa Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal, said: “We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the public’s enthusiasm for our plans. These new images reflect a vision for the Barbican Centre that stays true to our unique heritage and bold character while making us an inclusive, sustainable and meaningful place for everyone.”

Opened in 1982 on London’s largest post-war bombsite, a previous release by the Barbican Centre acknowledged it has “deteriorated significantly” in the intervening years.

In December the City of London Corporation, the Centre’s founder and principal funder, committed £191m to support the first five-year phase of works. The Centre is also to fundraise to contribute to the refurbishment, taking the total to £240m.

The design team working on the proposal is led by architects Allies and Morrison alongside Asif Khan Studio and engineers Buro Happold.

The second round of consultation is to run until June 2. For more information, visit the site’s website or see the new designs in-person at the Centre.

Last year the Corporation said the Barbican Centre was in need 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.