The go-ahead from the City of London Corporation unlocks long-awaited works to tackle ageing building fabric, poor accessibility and outdated infrastructure across the Grade II-listed Brutalist complex.
The scheme, designed by Allies and Morrison with Asif Khan Studio and engineer Buro Happold, is strictly retrofit-led. No additional floorspace will be added to the centre. Instead, the focus is on repairing, upgrading and making better use of what is already there.
At the heart of the plans is a comprehensive refurbishment of the Conservatory.
Long-standing maintenance issues will be addressed and a new climate-controlled environment installed to protect plant life. A new lift and stair will open up the raised balconies for the first time, creating new publicly accessible viewing areas.
Accessibility shortfalls across the wider building will also be tackled head-on. A new lift in the Conservatory will provide step-free access to the fly tower for the first time, while a second lift in the main foyer will improve routes to the Concert Hall and Theatre.
The programme also includes improved wayfinding, more toilets and the creation of a new multi-faith room.
Externally, the lakeside terrace and foyers will undergo a careful, sustainable retrofit. Original materials – including Conservatory glazing and paving – will be reused where possible to reduce embodied carbon and preserve the character of the Brutalist structure.
National heritage bodies including Historic England and the Twentieth Century Society backed the conservation-led approach.
The City of London Corporation has committed £191m towards Phase 1 of the programme, with further funding to be secured through philanthropy and partnerships.
Major on-site works are due to begin in 2027.
Between June 2028 and 2029, most Barbican activities will pause to allow the most intensive phase of works to be delivered safely and efficiently, although Cinemas on Beech Street will remain open and programming will continue with resident partners including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Barbican attracts more than one million visitors a year. The approved overhaul is designed to secure the fabric, functionality and public access of the landmark arts centre for the next 50 years.
