The Barbican Centre, a landmark of London’s post-war architectural ambition, is set to embark on an ambitious new chapter with a call for expressions of interest to transform its two large, famously underused exhibition halls. These halls, which have stood largely vacant since 2010, present an extraordinary opportunity to reinvigorate spaces that collectively span the size of 36 tennis courts. Situated strategically between key cultural and commercial hubs — including the new Museum of London at Smithfield, the historic Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Smithfield Market — their redevelopment is envisioned as a cornerstone of the Square Mile’s evolving cultural identity.

This initiative is an integral part of the larger Barbican Renewal programme, a £230 million project led by Allies and Morrison alongside Asif Khan Studio, which aims to restore and enhance the Barbican’s iconic site for future generations. Originally designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon and completed in 1982 as a bold example of brutalist architecture interwoven with residential and cultural facilities, the Barbican Centre has undergone several upgrades in recent decades. These include a £12.6 million overhaul by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in 2006 and a £3.4 million cinema and shop renewal, along with environmental enhancements to the main art gallery by RUFFARCHITECTS in 2019.

The current phase of renewal, funded primarily by a £191 million contribution from the City of London Corporation, prioritises the revitalisation of the foyers, lakeside terrace, and central conservatory, with construction planned to begin in 2027 to dovetail with the Barbican’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2032. The refurbishment is designed not only to preserve the Barbican’s brutalist architectural heritage but also to significantly improve accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring the centre remains a vibrant, adaptable cultural venue for decades to come.

The two exhibition halls, long seen as key assets for conferences and commercial events, are now set for imaginative reinvention. Open calls are inviting proposals from a broad spectrum of sectors — including creative, commercial, and civic organisations — seeking innovative and sustainable concepts that enhance cultural engagement and public access while generating new income streams. Ideas for the halls may range from permanent transformation to interim uses that activate the space for local communities and visitors alike, potentially as joint or separate ventures.

Asif Khan, co-leading the renewal alongside Allies and Morrison, brings a distinctive architectural ethos to the project, combining respect for historical narratives with bold, contemporary interventions. Khan’s recent high-profile projects reflect this approach, such as the ongoing redevelopment of London’s Canada Dock and Liverpool’s Canning Dock, which thoughtfully engage with difficult historical legacies, and his work on the new Museum of London at Smithfield that blends modern design with heritage elements. His contribution to the Barbican Renewal aims to restore the centre’s original brutalist intent while shaping a facility that meets contemporary cultural and environmental demands.

The renewal programme is marked by extensive public engagement and co-design processes, especially involving younger audiences, to ensure the Barbican evolves in ways that resonate with a diverse population. Innovations include a fully accessible conservatory with dramatic planting schemes and water features, a rejuvenated lakeside terrace with climate-conscious landscaping, and flexible, inclusive foyers designed to bring the arts more visibly into the public realm. Landscape designers Harris Bugg Studio and a team of specialists in sustainability, heritage, lighting, and acoustics support the architectural vision, ensuring a holistic upgrade of the entire complex.

While the current procurement focusing on the exhibition halls is exploratory, with no final decisions expected at this stage, it will shape the strategic planning for the next phases and the potential partnerships needed to realise the vision. The halls’ redevelopment is expected to commence from 2028, reflecting a careful balance between preserving the Barbican’s historic fabric and enabling innovative, future-facing uses.

As the Barbican Renewal programme gathers momentum, it signals a critical moment for London’s cultural infrastructure — one that respects the past while boldly embracing new possibilities. By unlocking the potential of these vast underused spaces within one of the city’s most iconic brutalist complexes, this initiative could redefine how culture, community, and commerce intersect at the heart of the Square Mile.

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Source: Noah Wire Services