London's Barbican Centre to get £25m of fresh funding for renewal programme

The City of London Corporation has agreed £25m $32.1m) in funding to start the first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme. The Renewal Programme will transform underused spaces within the centre for new creative use, while also investing in its existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and technical capabilities at the site. Improvements will also 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. The project will aim to preserve the building’s Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old. Chris Hayward, policy chairman, City Corporation, said: “The Barbican Centre is a cultural cornerstone of our Destination City programme, enhancing our already unrivalled arts and culture offer, and elevating our attractiveness as a global visitor destination.” Claire Spencer, CEO, the Barbican Centre, added: “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.” Following the £25m funding from the City Corporation, the Barbican Centre will be seeking a range of additional funding sources for subsequent phases of the programme.