The Barbican, one of the real-world London locations used for the filming of both seasons of Andor, will be undergoing extensive £191m renovations and overhauls, giving the iconic brutalist designed estate, originally opened in 1982 and home of the London Symphony Orchestra (who recorded the scores for the original and prequel trilogies as well as the first three Indiana Jones films), a new lease of life. A long process, work will start in 2027, with the first phase to be completed by 2030.
The Barbican will shut its doors for a year from June 2028 as part of a £191m overhaul of the Grade II-listed arts centre ahead of its 50th anniversary.
The cultural destination, which opened in 1982, and is the home of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), has deteriorated “significantly” over the years.
Plans to revamp, external creative and performance spaces, as well as restore the brutalist foyers, Lakeside Terrace and Conservatory, have been given approval by the City of London Corporation which is funding 80% of the work.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase finished by 2030.
The building is known for theatre, dance, and music performances as well as art exhibitions.
Its overhaul will also improve sustainability through a “retrofit-first” approach that reuses materials such as conservatory glass and pavers. It aims to upgrade “building systems and ageing materials” while “underused areas of the site will be unlocked”.
The renewal will make the centre more inclusive and accessible, with plans for a new multi-faith room, increased bathroom provision, improved wayfinding and full accessibility in the Conservatory.
