Barbican’s ambitious £231m revival plan wins approval
The City of London Corporation has pledged £191m toward the £231m total needed to complete the first phase of the Barbican renewal, with the remaining gap being bridged through philanthropic gifts and strategic partnerships.
Chris Hayward, the corporation’s policy chair, described the approval as a “major step forward for the Barbican Centre and its standing on the world stage.”
He added, “More importantly, we are transforming the centre so it becomes open, accessible, and ready for the future.”
Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Barbican stands as one of Europe’s largest performing arts venues, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The Barbican complex, home to the London Symphony Orchestra, will shut for a year beginning June 2028 to allow the renovation works to proceed.
The project’s design leadership will be provided by Allies & Morrison, in collaboration with Asif Khan Studio and engineering firm Buro Happold.
