City of London approves £191m Barbican upgrade

The Barbican is to get a substantial overhaul after the City of London approved £191 million in funding to renovate the Grade II listed venue.

Revamping the existing building was deemed preferable to a proposal of constructing a brand-new concert hall on the nearby site of the former London Museum.

The five-year Barbican Renewal Programme will see the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the Brutalist arts centre, including upgrades to foyers, the lakeside terrace and the conservatory.

There will also be improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency in the 1970s/80s building.

Backing from the City of London, the Barbican’s founder and principal funder, will finance around 80 per cent of the first phase of the project, with the centre planning to launch a major fundraising campaign in 2025.

Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027, and this first phase will be completed as the Barbican reaches its 50th anniversary in 2032.

Previously the City of London Corporation had warned that the arts centre needed more than £450m for essential works.

In February this year, a consultant commissioned by the corporation found that an additional £30m, on top of £25m that had already been committed, was required to support “urgent” work.

City corporation policy chair 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 than 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.”