London’s Barbican to close for a year due to ‘significant deterioration’
The Barbican will undergo a year-long closure to carry out ‘critical repairs’ and ‘unlock underused spaces’ as part of a £191 million revamp.
The Grade II-listed site’s buildings are said to have ‘significantly deteriorated’ over the years.
Most of the centre will be off-limits between June 2028 and June 2029, though cinemas on Beech street and access through residential areas will stay open.
Construction will begin in 2027 and the main phase of the revamp will be completed in 2030, though some works will continue until 2032, when the site will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
‘Building systems and ageing materials will be upgraded and restored, while underused areas of the site will be unlocked, releasing their full potential for public, civic and creative use’, bosses said.
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The £191 million funding package has been put forward by the City of London Corporation.
Another £48 million or so is needed to complete the project in full, and will be sought through a ‘major fundraising campaign’.
This will also allow ‘complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces including the unique brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory’.
‘Funding raised will open up these celebrated spaces to all, deliver major new creative community and learning activities, and make significant sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met’, the centre added in a statement.
The centre said the first phase has not yet secured planning permission, although there are not expected to be major obstacles.
Philippa Simpson, Barbican director for buildings and renewal, said: ‘This is a defining moment for the Barbican.
‘Today’s approval gives us the confidence and certainty we need to deliver essential upgrades for generations to come.
‘The Barbican rose from the ruins of a bombsite nearly 50 years ago, and in summer 2029 we will embrace that same spirit of optimism – renewed, revitalised, and ready for the future.’
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