The City of London Corporation has approved a major overhaul of the Barbican Centre, unlocking long-awaited works to address ageing building fabric, poor accessibility and outdated infrastructure across the Grade II-listed Brutalist complex.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 engineering consultancy Buro Happold, takes a strictly retrofit-led approach. No additional floorspace will be added; instead, the focus is on repairing, upgrading and making better use of the existing structure.
At the centre of the plans is a comprehensive refurbishment of the Conservatory. Long-standing maintenance problems will be addressed, alongside the installation of a new climate-controlled environment designed to protect plant life. A new lift and staircase will also open the raised balconies to visitors for the first time, creating new publicly accessible viewing areas.
Accessibility improvements are another key priority. A new lift in the Conservatory will provide step-free access to the fly tower for the first time, while an additional lift in the main foyer will enhance access to both the Concert Hall and the Theatre.
The programme will also introduce improved wayfinding, additional toilet facilities and a new multi-faith room. Externally, the lakeside terrace and foyers will undergo a careful retrofit, with original materials — including Conservatory glazing and paving — reused wherever possible to reduce embodied carbon and maintain the character of the Brutalist landmark.
National heritage organisations including Historic England and The Twentieth Century Society have backed the conservation-led approach.
The City of London Corporation has committed £191m towards the first phase of the project, with additional funding expected to come from philanthropic contributions and partnerships.
Major on-site works are scheduled to begin in 2027. Between June 2028 and 2029, most activities at the Barbican will pause to allow the most intensive stage of construction to be carried out safely and efficiently. However, Cinemas on Beech Street will remain open, and programming will continue through resident partners including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Barbican Centre, opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, attracts more than one million visitors each year. The approved refurbishment aims to secure the landmark arts venue’s structure, functionality and public accessibility for the next 50 years.
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