The City of London Corporation has approved a £191m funding package to support critical repairs and upgrades at the Barbican Centre.
The package will fund phase one of the Barbican Renewal Programme – a five-year project of works to secure the future of the Grade II listed site.
The City of London Corporation’s £191m contribution represents around 80% of the amount needed for the first five-year phase of the Barbican’s long-term renewal programme. A major fundraising campaign will be launched by the Barbican Centre in 2025 to enable the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue.
The project will sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old.
Chris Hayward, City Corporation policy chairman, 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.”
Sir William Russell, chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre board, added: “This is a critical time to help shape the future of a compelling and extraordinary organisation, building on decades of excellence and achievement.”
The Barbican Renewal Programme design process will be led by Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold. Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027 with the first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.
