The City of London Corporation selected Blue Sky Building ahead of  Bovis, McLaren and Sir Robert McAlpine for the construction management role worth up to £5.1m.

BSB will act as the client’s principal delivery partner, managing dozens of trade contractors under separate contracts.

The appointment covers the Barbican Renewal Programme through to January 2030, with an option to extend for a further year if the programme overruns.

The extensive refurbishment will modernise the Grade II-listed arts complex while keeping the internationally renowned venue operational throughout the works.

BSB will take responsibility for construction planning, procurement of trade packages, site logistics, programme coordination and health and safety across the live estate.

One of its first major tasks will be supporting the project’s Building Safety Act Gateway 2 application after the Barbican Arts Centre was recently classified as a Higher-Risk Building.

The programme team already includes Gardiner & Theobald, Greenway Associates, Allies & Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold.

The renewal programme is expected to involve carefully phased repair, upgrade and improvement works across the complex, with construction taking place alongside performances, exhibitions and day-to-day public use.

The biggest package is a £60m 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.