One of the world’s leading multi-arts venues is set for a major overhaul, with the City of London Corporation approving a £191 million investment to transform the Barbican Centre and secure its status as a top destination for corporate events and conferences.
The £191 million funding package - announced in December last year - will revitalise the centre’s creative, performance, conference and event spaces to expand opportunities for formal and informal use. The Barbican’s distinctive brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace and renowned Conservatory will be restored and enhanced in this first phase, which opens-up public spaces, creates new experiences and upgrades vital infrastructure.
A retrofit-first approach will boost sustainability and protect the Grade II-listed estate, reusing materials such as Conservatory glass and pavers to reduce carbon emissions. Essential safety and security works will ensure the Centre remains a world-class public venue for decades to come.
Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, who hailed it as “one of the wonders of the modern world”, the Barbican now attracts millions of visitors and delegates annually. As its 50th anniversary approaches, the renewal will build on this legacy by making the centre more inclusive and accessible, including a new multi-faith room, increased bathroom provision, improved wayfinding, and full accessibility in the Conservatory.
To deliver the upgrades safely and efficiently, most Barbican programmes will pause for one year from the end of June 2028 to June 2029. Cinemas on Beech Street will remain open, and the Barbican will programme differently with partners including residents the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company, associate companies and festivals during this period.
The Business Events team will be working closely with long-standing clients over the coming months to minimise disruption to their event programmes, with commercial events delivered up to June 2028. New commercial opportunities for summer 2029 and beyond, making the most of the renewed infrastructure and spaces, will be revealed as the renewal progresses, allowing clients to develop their long term event plans.
For event planners, the programme promises a significant boost to the centre’s commercial offering. The Barbican can host meetings ranging from intimate boardrooms for 10 delegates up to full-scale conferences for 2,000, with flexible spaces across concert halls, theatres, and conference suites. The renewal will enhance these capabilities, allowing corporate clients to deliver even more impactful events in a world-class environment.
Jackie Boughton, Barbican director of commercial, said: "This decision ensures the Barbican will continue to be a leading player in the international conference and events sector.
"As the global business event landscape changes, the renewal allows us to keep pace and provide the infrastructure to continue delivering the world leading commercial events we are renowned for. We look forward to working with clients old and new as we enter this next phase and start to develop the next generation of business events in one of London’s most iconic buildings."
Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy chairman, added: "Our major investment strengthens the Barbican’s role as an international destination for audiences and artists, supporting thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions for London’s economy. Delivering these works quickly will ensure the Barbican can welcome even more people into a fully accessible, future-ready centre."
The renewal has received overwhelming public support, with more than 90 per cent of respondents backing the plans in a consultation. It will also see new inclusions such as a multi-faith room, increased bathroom provision, and full accessibility across public spaces.
Philippa Simpson, Barbican director for buildings and renewal, said: "Today’s approval gives us the confidence and certainty we need to deliver essential upgrades for generations to come. In summer 2029 we will embrace that same spirit of optimism as the Barbican rose from the ruins nearly 50 years ago – renewed, revitalised, and ready for the future."
The Barbican has long blended arts and corporate events, offering bespoke experiences that integrate creative content, learning, and performance into business meetings. The Renewal Programme will elevate these capabilities, creating fresh opportunities for planners to curate unforgettable events in one of London’s most famous and beloved buildings.
The renewal is the largest investment in the Barbican since its opening in 1982 and forms part of a wider strategy to cement its place as a global destination for both arts and business events.
