A £191million funding package to support critical repairs and upgrades at London’s iconic Barbican Centre were approved on Thursday.
The five-year project will secure the future of the world-renowned, Grade-II listed site which is the London Symphony Orchestra’s home.
A Barbican renewal programme is designed to make the performing arts centre – the largest in Europe - fit for the 21st century, with improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency.
Opened in 1982, the late Queen declared the building known for its brutalist architecture as “one of the wonders of the modern world”.
Today, the venue which showcases groundbreaking art reaches 1.5 million people each year.
Elected members of the City of London Corporation’s top decision-making body, the Court of Common Council, agreed the multimillion-pound contribution which represents around 80 per cent of the cash needed for the first phase.
It is an alternative to building a new concert hall on the vacated site of the former Museum of London.
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.
This includes upgrades to its unique brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory - the largest glasshouse in central London.
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.”
Welcoming the announcement Kathryn McDowell, managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra, said: “This decision is excellent news, enabling essential works to the Barbican Centre to be undertaken. Safeguarding the future of such an iconic, important and internationally renowned cultural venue could not be more vital.”
Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027 with the first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.
The renewal programme is one of several being delivered by the City Corporation, including the Salisbury Square Development, which will house the new City of London Police HQ and a multi-courts complex, and the new London Museum at West Smithfield.
