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The Barbican is a bonafide London icon. So it’s good news that the 50-year-old brutalist behemoth’s Barbican Centre is getting a massive renovation, so it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
More details of the £191 million restoration of the Grade-II listed structure have now been revealed, which include upgrades to the lakeside, foyers and conservatory, as well as loads more toilets.
One of the major plans is to make the conservatory – the massive greenhouse that resides in the centre – much more accessible (right now the walkways are narrow and have lots of steps). The Barbican head honchos want to make the conservatory open to the public for longer hours, and to add air conditioning to the green house – this would be behind a glass wall that splits the terrace from the conservatory so as not to disturb the plants.
Other upgrades include changes to entrances, improved lifts, doors and lighting in the foyers and curve gallery. The lakeside terrace is to be repaved to fix leaks, while fountains will be upgraded and new planting, lighting and glazing will be added. Many of the changes involve bringing the 1970s-built facilities up to date with modern times, with a big focus on accessibility.
A public consultation on these proposals closed on February 17 – this feedback will be considered for the next round of planning proposals which will be published in May. If the plans get the go-ahead, works should begin in 2027.
Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds are going up in price.
The British Museum’s Western Range galleries are getting a spectacular makeover.
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