Everyone loves the the Barbican Centre, for its off-kilter, brutalist charm, massive greenhouse, indie cinema and great exhibitions. So it’s good news that the centre has been given £191 million to undergo vital repairs and upgrades. Long live the Barbican.
The City of London has awarded the massive sum to the Barbican Art Centre to secure the home of the London Symphony Orchestra; it’s been decided to makeover the old brutalist building instead of building a brand-new concert hall on the site of the former London Museum and the five-year-project will see the Grade-II listed building given a proper facelift
It’s estimated that the £191 million will cover 80 percent of the work. The Barbican Centre will launch a major fundraising campaign in 2025 to raise the rest of the money needed for the upgrades. This campaign will enable the complete refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue, including upgrades to its brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory – the largest glasshouse in central London.
City Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: ‘The Barbican Centre is a fantastic international venue with an exciting future. This funding underlines our support, recognising its unique role as a leading cultural institution and driver of economic growth, contributing £86 million a year to the UK economy and supporting around than 1,100 jobs across London.
‘The Barbican Centre is central to the Square Mile’s cultural identity and plays a pivotal role in our attractiveness as a place to work and visit.’
Subject to planning permission, building works will begin in 2027. The first phase is due to be completed in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.
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