Planning has been approved for a £231 million Barbican revamp.
The arts centre says the money will go on long-overdue maintenance and big accessibility upgrades, including new lifts and staircases, more toilets in the main foyer, and step-free access across the entire building. Plans also include climate-controlled habitats to better support plants inside the centre.
Philippa Simpson, the Barbican Centre’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled that phase 1 of Barbican Renewal has been approved.”
She added: “This programme invests in the whole life of the centre. It will improve access, release spaces for public use, and support ambitious artistic work at every scale.”
The City Corporation is putting in £191 million of the total, with the rest expected to come from philanthropy and partnerships.
Disability charity CRIPtic, which supports deaf and disabled creatives, told City News it is crucial disabled people are involved at a senior level in the redesign.
“It’s vital to involve disabled people at a high level in the design and redevelopment, not just venue users or employees, but also people with relevant access expertise,” it said.
The Barbican Complex is Grade II listed.
The charity added it wants that expertise acted on, not just listened to.
“The facilities backstage at the Barbican are better for me as a disabled performer than I’ve found at any other major venue. I’m hoping that the renovations go further yet, and set a standard for the industry.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
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Headline£231m Barbican Centre revamp gets green light
Short HeadlineBarbican set for £231m facelift
StandfirstPhilippa Simpson, Barbican's chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled that phase 1 of Barbican Renewal has been approved.”
Planning has been approved for a £231 million Barbican revamp.
The arts centre says the money will go on long-overdue maintenance and big accessibility upgrades, including new lifts and staircases, more toilets in the main foyer, and step-free access across the entire building. Plans also include climate-controlled habitats to better support plants inside the centre.
Philippa Simpson, the Barbican Centre’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled that phase 1 of Barbican Renewal has been approved.”
She added: “This programme invests in the whole life of the centre. It will improve access, release spaces for public use, and support ambitious artistic work at every scale.”
The City Corporation is putting in £191 million of the total, with the rest expected to come from philanthropy and partnerships.
Disability charity CRIPtic, which supports deaf and disabled creatives, told City News it is crucial disabled people are involved at a senior level in the redesign.
“It’s vital to involve disabled people at a high level in the design and redevelopment, not just venue users or employees, but also people with relevant access expertise,” it said.
The Barbican Complex is Grade II listed.
The charity added it wants that expertise acted on, not just listened to.
“The facilities backstage at the Barbican are better for me as a disabled performer than I’ve found at any other major venue. I’m hoping that the renovations go further yet, and set a standard for the industry.”
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