Barbican Centre
Barbican renewal
Following a winning competition entry, we are currently working as heritage consultants for the £191m refurbishment of London’s Grade II-listed Barbican Centre.
Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon and completed in 1982, the Barbican Arts Centre is the centrepiece of the City’s large-scale Barbican Estate post-war reconstruction vision. It features a concert hall, theatre, cinema, two art galleries, a conference centre, library, restaurants and public foyers.
Working alongside Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, Buro Happold, Charcoalblue, Hood Design Studio, Isaac Julien and The Planning Lab, the project will transform the Brutalist arts centre to meet the needs of 21st-century artists, audiences and communities.
The project will make the 40-year old venue ready for another four decades, continuing and amplifying its artistic achievements. It will also strengthen the Barbican’s ability to play a leading role in the recovery of the City and the capital from the pandemic.
The project covers all aspects of the building, from upgrading venues and transforming underused areas into new flexible spaces, to improving the welcome, navigating and wayfinding while also looking at ways to embed digital technology and upgrading environmental performance in line with the Corporation’s aim to become carbon-neutral.
We are working with the design team to carry out extensive public consultation. Construction is set to begin in 2027 with this first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.
Client: Barbican Centre/City of London Corporation
Architects: Allies and Morrison/Asif Khan Studio