The Barbican Centre

LONDON, UK

PROJECT ONGOING

In September 2025, Greenway Associates was appointed as Cost Consultant for the Barbican Renewal Programme following a competitive tender process. The five-year programme will deliver essential repairs, infrastructure upgrades and improvements to accessibility and sustainability, while preserving the architectural character and keeping the renowned venue open throughout the works. One year on, we're reflecting on the progress made so far, our role within the wider project team, and the next milestones as the programme continues towards completion in 2030.

Some of the GA at The Barbican (left to right): Daniel Reid, Lawrence Evans, James Denby, Liam McFaul, Jared Mensah, Warren Lisher, Naomi Reid.

OUR ROLE

Greenway Associates is appointed to provide Cost Planning services throughout RIBA Stages 4-7. Our role includes detailed cost planning, procurement advice, and value management.

GA Director Liam McFaul and Project Manager Alicia Bush having a coffee whilst working on site.

GA Director Daniel Reid inspecting the Conservatory at the Barbican.

THE PROJECT

The Barbican Renewal Programme is a five-year programme of carefully phased works designed to address ageing infrastructure across the Barbican Centre. Much of the building's original fabric and building services have reached the end of their operational life, making significant investment essential to ensure the Centre can continue to operate effectively going forward.

The programme will deliver major upgrades to building services, improve accessibility, sustainability and the overall visitor experience while carefully preserving the character of the Grade II-listed building. Throughout the works, the Barbican Centre will remain operational, allowing performances, exhibitions and public events to continue.

The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million towards the first phase of the programme, representing around 80% of the funding required. Subject to planning and listed building consent, major construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2030.

Delivering a programme of this scale relies on close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team, including Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, Buro Happold and contractors Blue Sky Building.

ONE YEAR ON

Over the past year, the project team has been progressing the first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme through design development and detailed planning ahead of construction.

Phase 1 focuses on key public and back-of-house areas, including the Foyers, Lakeside, Conservatory and Catering Block. Planned works include waterproofing, fabric conservation, major building services upgrades, and improvements to accessibility, signage and wayfinding, all designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the character of the Grade II-listed Barbican Centre.

whats to come - With design development complete to RIBA Stage 3, the next phase will carry the project through to detailed design and delivery, culminating in completion by 2030.

Inspection of mechanical plant rooms and MEP works

NEXT STEPS AND GOALS

With design development progressing and planning and listed building consent applications continuing, the programme will move into the next phase of detailed design ahead of major construction, which is currently expected to begin in 2027.
Over the coming years, the project team will continue to develop and deliver improvements across the Barbican Centre while carefully balancing the conservation of its Grade II-listed architecture with the needs of a modern cultural venue. The long-term ambition is to create a more resilient, accessible and sustainable Barbican Centre, ensuring it continues to support world-class performances, exhibitions and public life well into the future. We feel grateful to be apart of this journey.