London's Barbican Centre has secured £25 million in funding from the City of London Corporation to start the first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme, which is set to
reinvigorate the eminent arts and conference venue.
Members of the City Corporation’s Policy and
Resources Committee approved the money to develop elements of a long-term
masterplan, undertake further consultation, and
deliver early systems and infrastructure work to boost
the centre’s operational and environmental performance over the
next two years.
The overarching vision for the Barbican Renewal Programme is
to care for and invest in the Barbican Centre building, celebrating its ‘radical
vision, and design heritage, while responding to the creative opportunities and
challenges of the future.’
Major improvements will be made to the building’s
environmental performance under the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy,
which commits it to achieving net zero carbon status in its own operations by
2027.
What does the Barbican Renewal Programme include?
The Renewal Programme will transform underused
spaces within the centre for new creative use, whilst also investing in its
existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and
technical capabilities at the site.
It comes after the City Corporation launched its Destination
City programme to build a seven-day-a-week leisure destination for UK and
international visitors, workers, and residents.
Internationally recognised for its Brutalist style, the
Barbican Centre attracts almost two million visitors annually.
Barbican Centre chief executive officer Claire Spencer said:
“Our role is to spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists,
audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate.
Fundamental to this is the renewal of our brilliant Barbican building.
“We now have a great opportunity to conserve the
extraordinary architectural heritage of the Barbican, while reconsidering what
an arts centre can and should be in the twenty-first century, and making sure
we are open and welcoming to all. I am looking forward to continuing to work
with our accomplished design team, current and future users of our building,
and the community to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of the
future.”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
