Barbican Centre to Undergo Major Renovation, Closing for a Year

The Barbican Centre in London will close for a year starting June 2028 to undergo a significant multimillion-pound renovation aimed at securing its future. The renovation will affect the theatre, music venue, conservatory, and visual arts galleries, while the Beech Street cinemas will remain operational. The closure is timed to coincide with the venue's 50th anniversary in 2032. Philippa Simpson, the director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, emphasized the necessity of the renovation, stating, “If we want it for another 50, then you’ve got to rip the plaster off and do it now and let it thrive for the next 50 and not just limp along.”

The GuardianMice at the viral panto, new coats of arms and a £451m facelift for the Barbican

The renovation will involve major updates, including the replacement of electrical systems and the safe removal of asbestos, which necessitates shutting down the building's ventilation system. This closure marks only the second time in the Barbican's history that it will be closed for an extended period, the first being during the Covid-19 pandemic. The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), a long-time resident of the Barbican, will need to relocate its performances during this time, with plans to continue its 2028-29 season across various venues in London and the UK.

The GuardianMice at the viral panto, new coats of arms and a £451m facelift for the Barbican

The first phase of the renovation project is estimated to cost £231 million, with the total projected cost reaching £451 million. The Barbican's leadership has recently seen changes, with Abigail Pogson appointed as the new chief executive to oversee the renovation. This project is the first major renewal in the Barbican's history, which has faced leadership challenges in recent years, including the resignation of Sir Nicholas Kenyon in 2021 amid allegations of institutional racism.

The Guardian

The Barbican has not ruled out potential redundancies during the renovation, stating that all options are being considered for its approximately 400 staff members. Simpson noted that discussions with unions are ongoing to ensure transparency and careful planning throughout the process. Lisa Bangs, a senior organiser with the GMB union, expressed support for the renovation while advocating for job security for both casual and permanent staff.

The Guardian

While the renovation is largely welcomed, concerns have been raised regarding the impact on staff employment and the potential for job losses during the closure. The GMB union has committed to advocating for the retention of jobs and ensuring that staff are protected throughout the renovation process.

The Guardian

• “If we want it for another 50, then you’ve got to rip the plaster off and do it now and let it thrive for the next 50 and not just limp along,” — Philippa Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal, Barbican

The Guardian

• “She said: “We want to ensure that staff are retained and protected during these works and we will always advocate strongly for our members.” — Lisa Bangs, GMB Senior Organiser

The Guardian

The Barbican Centre's renovation represents a critical step in preserving one of the UK's most significant cultural institutions, with implications for its future operations and the employment of its staff.

The Guardian