The funding from The City of London Corporation will support a five-year project of works to secure the future of the renowned brutalist grade-II listed site.
Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027 with this first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.
The Barbican Centre was opened by the Queen in 1982, who declared it ‘one of the wonders of the modern world’.
Future works will safeguard its future as a leading arts venue by making it fit for the 21st century, with improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency.
The Barbican Renewal Programme design process – led by Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and Buro Happold – has already involved significant public consultation with more detailed consultations due to begin early next year.
The City Corporation’s £191m contribution represents around 80% 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 to enable the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue.
This includes upgrades to its unique brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory – the largest glasshouse in central London.
Funding raised will open up these celebrated spaces to all, deliver major new creative community and learning activities, and make major sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met.
