The City of London Corporation has approved a £191 million funding package to support critical repairs and upgrades at the iconic Barbican Centre.

The package will fund phase one of the Barbican Renewal Programme, a five-year project of works to secure the future of this internationally renowned, grade-II listed arts conference and events centre.

The Barbican Centre was opened by HM The Queen in 1982, who declared it ‘one of the wonders of the modern world’. Future works will safeguard its future as a leading arts venue by making it fit for the 21st century, with improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency.

The Barbican Renewal Programme is a key component of Destination City, the City Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business, culture, event and leisure location, and the £191m contribution represents around 80% of the amount needed for the first five-year phase.

A major fundraising campaign will be launched by the Barbican Centre in 2025 to enable the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue. This includes upgrades to its unique brutalist foyers, lakeside terrace, and conservatory – the largest glasshouse in central London.

Funding raised will open up these celebrated spaces to all, deliver major new creative community and learning activities, provide improved facilities for conferences and events, and make major sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met.

The project will sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts and conference centre, which is now more than 40 years old.

Director of Commercial at the Barbican, Jackie Boughton said: “This decision marks a transformative moment for the Barbican Centre and its ability to host world-class conferences and events.

“The investment will ensure our facilities remain at the forefront of the industry, offering enhanced accessibility, sustainability, and an even more inspiring environment for our clients and attendees. It is a testament to the Barbican’s vital role as a leading destination for culture, business, and collaboration, and I’m thrilled to see this bold step toward securing its future.”

Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in 2027 with this first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032.