Barbican's 231m renewal gets green light - with year-long closure planned

"At the heart of the scheme is a substantial upgrade to the Barbican's Conservatory. Longstanding maintenance and accessibility issues will be addressed, alongside the creation of a climate-controlled environment to protect its plant collection. The revamped Conservatory is intended to become a more prominent visitor attraction, with regular free public access and new routes to raised balconies offering views across the tropical landscape."

"Accessibility improvements form a central part of the plans and are described as the most significant in the Barbican's history. In addition to the new Conservatory lift - which will provide step-free access to the fly tower for the first time - a second lift in the main foyer will improve access to the Concert Hall, Theatre and surrounding spaces."

"The art centre's Brutalist foyers and lakeside terrace will be refurbished using a retrofit approach to reduce long-term environmental impact while preserving historic character. Existing materials, including Conservatory glazing and paving, will be reused where possible."

The Barbican Arts Centre has secured £231 million in funding for a comprehensive overhaul, with the City of London contributing £191 million for the first phase. The renovation prioritizes upgrading the Conservatory with climate control, addressing maintenance issues, and improving accessibility through new lifts and staircases. The scheme includes refurbishing Brutalist foyers and the lakeside terrace using sustainable retrofit methods while preserving historic character. Accessibility enhancements represent the most significant in the centre's history, including step-free access to previously unreachable areas. Additional improvements include new toilets, clearer wayfinding, and enhanced public programming spaces. The investment aims to secure the architectural and cultural future of the venue, which attracts over one million visitors annually.

Read at ianVisits