London’s Barbican to close for a year due to ‘significant deterioration’

The Barbican will undergo a year-long closure to carry out ‘critical repairs’ and ‘unlock underused spaces’ as part of a £191 million revamp.

The Grade II-listed site’s buildings are said to have ‘significantly deteriorated’ over the years.

Most of the centre will be off-limits between June 2028 and June 2029, though cinemas on Beech street and access through residential areas will stay open.

Construction will begin in 2027 and the main phase of the revamp will be completed in 2030, though some works will continue until 2032, when the site will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

‘Building systems and ageing materials will be upgraded and restored, while underused areas of the site will be unlocked, releasing their full potential for public, civic and creative use’,  bosses said.

The £191