Architectural icon and one of the UK’s top 20 cultural attractions unveils plans for £240million makeover

CULTURAL icon the Barbican arts centre has unveiled its hugely ambitious plans for a £240 million makeover – complete with “theatrical planting”.

New images of the stunning renewal of one of the UK’s top cultural attractions have been revealed as consultation on the proposals enter its second stage.

CGI images have been unveiled showing plans for the Barbican arts centre The Barbican will have its own lakeside terraceAlamy The attraction was opened in 1982 and is now in need of a major upgradeAlamy

The Barbican attracted more than 1.5 million visitors in 2024

And it’s certainly impressive – with a lakeside terrace another of its stunning new features.

The newly released images show what the 43-year-old Barbican’s conservatory, foyers and lakeside areas could look like after the restoration work has been completed.

And that includes an urban oasis, a lakeside terrace, and dynamic new civic spaces.

The Barbican’s management team said the vision had received strong support in the initial phase of consultation with 90% of respondents reacting positively.

Philippa Simpson, director of buildings and renewal, said: “We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the public’s enthusiasm for our plans.

“These new images reflect a vision for the Barbican Centre that stays true to our unique heritage and bold character while making us an inclusive, sustainable and meaningful place for everyone.”

As part of the design process, the architects and Barbican project team worked with two codesign groups made up of people aged 18-30 years old.

Their insights and suggestions also helped inform the ambitious plans.

The Grade II-listed Brutalist architectural icon was constructed on London’s biggest post-war bombsite.

It was hailed by Queen Elizabeth II at its 1982 opening, as “one of the wonders of the modern world”.

The cultural icon has been open for more than 40 years and the first phase of the upgrade is expected to be completed in 2032

One of the UK’s top 20 cultural attractions, it attracted 1.54 million visitors last year alone.

However, after 40 years , the centre is starting to show its age and is in urgent need of upgrade.

The first phase of the renewal plan from 2025-30 will deliver:

A fully accessible conservatory which will remain open to the public almost every day. It will also have a new water feature, and “theatrical” planting. There will also be a rejuvenated lakeside terrace, with fully functioning fountains, new landscaping, climate-friendly planting, improved seating and lighting. Also in place will be flexible foyers, that will” bring the arts out into the heart of the centre”.

The design team delivering the programme are led by architects Allies and Morrison working with Asif Khan Studio and engineers Buro Happold, lighting designers les éclaireurs, inclusive design advisors, Arup, circular economy experts, Reusefully, and landscapers Harris Bugg Studio.

A major fundraising drive is planned to secure the funding of the full programme The first phase of the project is expected to be completed ahead of the Barbican’s 50th anniversaryThe Times The music stage at the Barbican centre The Barbican is an example of Brutalist architecture

The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million to fund 80% of the first phase of works.

A major fundraising drive is planned to secure the remaining support needed to fund the full programme.

Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase due for completion in 2030, just ahead of the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.