A string of fresh pipeline notices published this week reveal the scale of the looming procurement push across the Grade II-listed Brutalist complex.
In July, the Corporation will name the firm it will appoint as construction manager under an estimated £4m fee to further detail the various subpackages of work for the big upgrade.
The biggest package is a £60m of infrastructure works deal covering major replacement and renewal of ageing building services systems at the arts centre.
Another £50m overhaul of the famous Barbican Conservatory is expected to go out to tender in January 2027 followed by another invitation to tender for a £30m refurbishment of foyers and circulation areas next summer. A separate £8m Concert Hall package will tackle specialist performance spaces.
The procurement pipeline follows planning approval earlier this year for the wider £170m retrofit programme designed by Allies and Morrison with Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold.
| Barbican renewal packages | Scope – (tender date) | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Construction manager | Management of work packages – (award July 2026) | £4m |
| Infrastructure | Core works – (1.3.27) | £60m |
| Conservatory | Climate-controlled retrofit and accessibility works – (6.1.27) | £50m |
| Foyers | Retrofit of foyers and public circulation spaces – (1.6.27) | £30m |
| Catering block | Catering block refurbishment and specialist works – (28.8.26) | £10m |
| Concert Hall | Concert hall refurbishment and specialist works – (26.1.27) | £8m |
| Staff Spaces | Back-of-house staff accommodation upgrades – (1.2.27) | £6m |
| Sculpture Court | External public realm and sculpture court upgrade – (9.3.28) | £5m |
The broader renewal programme aims to modernise the 1980s landmark while preserving its historic character through a retrofit-led approach focused on repairing building fabric, improving accessibility and replacing outdated infrastructure.
Major works are expected to start in late 2027 with most Barbican activities paused between 2028 and 2029 during the heaviest construction phase.
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