The Barbican to close in 2028 as part of 12-month renovation project

The Barbican Centre will close for 12 months from June 2028 as part of a multi-million pound renovation project.

According to The Guardian, the London-based arts centre's cinema will remain open during this period, however its music venue, theatre, and art galleries will shutter until June 2029, when the project is complete.

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While renovations will officially begin in June 2028, the Barbican's foyer and waterside area will go under construction slightly before then, while the conservatory will close in 2027.

The Barbican will undergo renovations in preparation for its 50th birthday in 2032; it's unknown what will happen to the Barbican Centre's 300+ employees, who, The Guardian reports, were made aware of the planned closure on Thursday (December 18).

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The Barbican's Director of Buildings and Renewal Philippa Simpson told The Guardian that work including asbestos removal and replacing electrical systems mean the centre will "be too dangerous" to remain open to the public during the renovations.

“If we want it for another 50, then you’ve got to rip the plaster off and do it now and let it thrive for the next 50 and not just limp along,” Simpson said.

“We want to ensure that staff are retained and protected during these works and we will always advocate strongly for our members," she continued. "The Barbican have been in touch and we look forward to working constructively with them as plans develop.”

[Via: The Guardian]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter