Barbican to Undergo £191m Renovation, Closing for a Year in 2028
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Barbican will close for a year starting June 2028 for a £191m renovation, reopening in June 2029.
- The City of London Corporation is funding 80% of the renovation, which aims to enhance sustainability and accessibility.
- The London Symphony Orchestra will relocate performances during the closure, with St Luke's as a temporary base.
- The renovation will improve the building's carbon footprint by 40% and address essential infrastructure upgrades.
- Staff consultations are ongoing, with potential secondments and redundancies being considered.
The iconic Barbican Centre in London is set to close its doors for a year from June 2028 as it embarks on a £191 million renovation project. This extensive overhaul, approved by the City of London Corporation, aims to rejuvenate the Grade II-listed arts centre ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2032.
A Historic Overhaul
The Barbican, a cultural destination since 1982 and home to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), has seen significant deterioration over the years. The renovation will focus on upgrading creative and performance spaces, restoring the brutalist foyers, Lakeside Terrace, and Conservatory, and enhancing sustainability through a "retrofit-first" approach. This method will reuse materials like conservatory glass and pavers, aiming to reduce the building's carbon footprint by 40%.
Maintaining Cultural Presence
Despite the closure, the Barbican plans to maintain its cultural presence in London. The LSO will continue its 2028/29 season across the city and the UK, with St Luke's serving as a temporary base. The Barbican also intends to collaborate with partners for alternative programming during the closure. Philippa Simpson, the Barbican's director for buildings and renewal, emphasized the importance of this renovation, stating, "This is a defining moment for the Barbican."
Staff and Community Impact
The renovation poses challenges for the Barbican's 400 staff members, with consultations underway to explore options such as secondments and potential redundancies. The GMB union has expressed support for the refurbishment but is advocating for job security for both casual and permanent staff. Lisa Bangs, a senior organizer at GMB, stated, "We want to ensure that staff are protected during this transition."
Looking Ahead
The Barbican's renovation is not just about preserving a historic building but also about ensuring its future relevance and accessibility. With plans for a new multi-faith room, increased bathroom facilities, and improved wayfinding, the centre aims to become more inclusive. As Philippa Simpson noted, "If we want it for another 50 years, then you’ve got to rip the plaster off and do it now."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The Barbican's ambitious renovation project could set a precedent for other cultural institutions seeking to balance heritage preservation with modern sustainability goals. As the City of London Corporation funds the majority of the project, it highlights the importance of public investment in cultural infrastructure. However, the closure poses logistical challenges, particularly for the LSO and other resident companies, which will need to adapt their programming and logistics.
The renovation also raises questions about employment stability for the Barbican's staff. The outcome of ongoing consultations will be crucial in determining how the organization manages potential redundancies and secondments. As the Barbican prepares for its 50th anniversary, the success of this project could redefine its role as a leading cultural hub in London, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible destination for future generations.
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Barbican to Undergo £191m Renovation, Closing for a Year in 2028
In This Article
Leila Hassan| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The Barbican will close for a year starting June 2028 for a £191m renovation, reopening in June 2029.
- The City of London Corporation is funding 80% of the renovation, which aims to enhance sustainability and accessibility.
- The London Symphony Orchestra will relocate performances during the closure, with St Luke's as a temporary base.
- The renovation will improve the building's carbon footprint by 40% and address essential infrastructure upgrades.
- Staff consultations are ongoing, with potential secondments and redundancies being considered.
The iconic Barbican Centre in London is set to close its doors for a year from June 2028 as it embarks on a £191 million renovation project. This extensive overhaul, approved by the City of London Corporation, aims to rejuvenate the Grade II-listed arts centre ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2032.
A Historic Overhaul
The Barbican, a cultural destination since 1982 and home to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), has seen significant deterioration over the years. The renovation will focus on upgrading creative and performance spaces, restoring the brutalist foyers, Lakeside Terrace, and Conservatory, and enhancing sustainability through a "retrofit-first" approach. This method will reuse materials like conservatory glass and pavers, aiming to reduce the building's carbon footprint by 40%.
Maintaining Cultural Presence
Despite the closure, the Barbican plans to maintain its cultural presence in London. The LSO will continue its 2028/29 season across the city and the UK, with St Luke's serving as a temporary base. The Barbican also intends to collaborate with partners for alternative programming during the closure. Philippa Simpson, the Barbican's director for buildings and renewal, emphasized the importance of this renovation, stating, "This is a defining moment for the Barbican."
Staff and Community Impact
The renovation poses challenges for the Barbican's 400 staff members, with consultations underway to explore options such as secondments and potential redundancies. The GMB union has expressed support for the refurbishment but is advocating for job security for both casual and permanent staff. Lisa Bangs, a senior organizer at GMB, stated, "We want to ensure that staff are protected during this transition."
Looking Ahead
The Barbican's renovation is not just about preserving a historic building but also about ensuring its future relevance and accessibility. With plans for a new multi-faith room, increased bathroom facilities, and improved wayfinding, the centre aims to become more inclusive. As Philippa Simpson noted, "If we want it for another 50 years, then you’ve got to rip the plaster off and do it now."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The Barbican's ambitious renovation project could set a precedent for other cultural institutions seeking to balance heritage preservation with modern sustainability goals. As the City of London Corporation funds the majority of the project, it highlights the importance of public investment in cultural infrastructure. However, the closure poses logistical challenges, particularly for the LSO and other resident companies, which will need to adapt their programming and logistics.
The renovation also raises questions about employment stability for the Barbican's staff. The outcome of ongoing consultations will be crucial in determining how the organization manages potential redundancies and secondments. As the Barbican prepares for its 50th anniversary, the success of this project could redefine its role as a leading cultural hub in London, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible destination for future generations.
Images from the Web
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