The renovation plans of the Barbican Center in London, currently in public consultation until May, were announced in early 2025. Subject to obtaining the building permit, the first phase of the work, at a cost of 191 million Books (230 million euros), will start in 2027. Their finalization is scheduled for 2032, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the institution. The Barbican Center renovation project began in 2021, when the City of London Corporation announced its intention to strengthen the cultural life and economic vitality of the city in the post-Cavid era.
Classified national monument, the Barbican Center built after the Second World War by architects Chamberlin, Powell and good on bombed London land, was inaugurated in 1982 by Élizabeth II, is the largest center in the performing arts in Europe (16 hectares ). It stands out for its brutalist architecture, in the vein of Corbusier (1887-1965). “The Barbican Center has always been synonymous with renewal, an optimistic future lighthouse in the aftermath of the Second World War” Claims Philippa Simpson, director of buildings and renewal since 2024. In addition to a winter garden, an artistic center and a theater is also around 2,014 dwellings.
In May 2021, an international design competition was launched by the institution in order to modernize the center: “The renovation will focus on the modernization of the different art, music, theater and cinema rooms in the center, improving environmental performance and building accessibility”the museum announced. In 2022, the offices of architects Allies and Morrison and Asif Khan Studio (known for projects at the Britain Tate and the Oakland Museum of Art) were selected to offer several design options to be carried out as part of a Construction budget of 50 to 150 million pounds.
In 2023, the City of London Corporation granted 25 million pounds (30 million euros) to the Barbican Center but this sum was not sufficient for the first phase of renovation. A consultant initiated by the company had estimated that in addition to the 25 million pounds already promised, 30 million pounds (36 million euros) would be necessary to support the “urgent” work. Among the urgent work, Artnews Indicates that the 2,136 m2 roof above the vast barbican veranda was likely to collapse. Safety nets have been installed to recover the falling debris.
In December 2024, the additional 191 million pounds (230 million euros) were granted to the Barbican Center (230 million euros). This sum will be able to finance the first phase of the project up to 80 %. To complete the rest, the Barbican Center plans to launch an important fundraising campaign in 2025. The cost of the entire project (all phases included) amounts to 451 million pounds (453 million euros) divided Of the next 20 to 25 years.
