ONE of Britain’s best-known cultural landmarks will shut for a full year from June 2028 as part of a massive £191million revamp.
The Grade II-listed building is set to transform ahead of its 50th anniversary.
The Barbican, home to the world-famous London Symphony Orchestra, has been showing its age for years, with bosses warning the building has “deteriorated significantly”.
Now a huge overhaul has been given the green light by the City of London Corporation, which is footing 80 per cent of the bill.
The centre first opened in 1982 and has become a go-to venue for theatre, dance, music and blockbuster exhibitions.
But major works are now needed to drag it into the future after decades of wear and tear.
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Construction is due to kick off in 2027, with the first phase finishing in 2030.
The sweeping renewal will restore its famous foyers, Lakeside Terrace and Conservatory, while revamping creative and performance spaces across the site.
Bosses say the project will make the Barbican greener, more modern and far easier to navigate, with new sustainability measures, better accessibility, boosted bathroom facilities and even a dedicated multi-faith room.
Underused pockets of the vast complex will be opened up, while a “retrofit-first” approach means materials such as conservatory glass and pavers will be reused wherever possible.
Essential works have already started, but the newly approved cash injection means the next major phase can finally get under way.
A fundraising campaign is also being lined up to help finish improvements to key public areas.
Despite the year-long shutdown, cinemas on Beech Street and routes through the residential estate will stay open, offering some continuity for regular visitors.
Barbican director for buildings and renewal Philippa Simpson hailed the decision as a huge moment for the beloved venue, saying:
“This is a defining moment for the Barbican. Today’s approval gives us the confidence and certainty we need to deliver essential upgrades for generations to come.
The Barbican rose from the ruins of a bombsite nearly 50 years ago, and in summer 2029 we will embrace that same spirit of optimism, renewed, revitalised, and ready for the future.”
The London Symphony Orchestra has backed the upgrade, with managing director Dame Kathryn McDowell welcoming the “vital investment”.
The LSO will perform its full 2028/29 season across London and on tour, while the two seasons before that will take place at the Barbican as usual.
During the shutdown, St Luke’s will become the orchestra’s main hub, hosting more concerts, recordings and broadcasts, all supported by newly improved digital facilities.
The Barbican also plans to team up with cultural partners to stage events elsewhere while the building gets its biggest facelift in decades.
The iconic arts powerhouse may be falling silent for a year, but bosses say it will roar back louder, brighter and stronger than ever.
