While it is a valued space, the Sculpture Court is also currently in a critically poor condition.

The paving has failed, as has the waterproofing, causing leaks into the concert hall structure beneath. There are also surface drainage failures with ponding in various locations, making it less useable for visitors.

The raised octagonal platform at its centre is not accessible to all as it can only be reached by shallow, poor-quality steps or a single, steep ramp. These were not part of the original construction and do not meet modern accessibility standards.

While some additions have been made to improve the environment, including the planter boxes, steps and handrails, these are temporary in nature and out of keeping with the design of the rest of the Centre. 

The power outlets have failed, so power has to be introduced from other parts of the Centre for events. The space has limited seating and very little biodiversity.

Barbican Renewal is our plan to ensure every part of the Barbican Centre is restored, revitalized and relevant for future generations.

The first phase of Barbican Renewal is underway and runs from 2025-30. This focuses on the main public areas of the site including the vast brutalist Foyers, Lakeside Terrace and Conservatory. It also includes restoration and refurbishment of the cafés and restaurants and replacement of the building systems and services (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air handling).

The proposals for the Sculpture Court will follow this same vision of celebrating the Centre’s architectural heritage, delivering a programme of sensitive conservation, and upgrading the building to create a place that is truly inclusive, sustainable and resilient. 

Based on our priorities for Barbican Renewal and the feedback from early consultation and engagement, we have developed these design principles to guide the programme’s development:

Repair and conserve: Celebrate the Barbican Centre’s iconic architecture, honouring the bold vision at the heart of the Centre’s development

Design for all: Deliver an exceptional welcome for everyone through improved access, circulation, wayfinding and facilities

Reactivate space: Revitalise underused spaces, opening them up to the public and delivering creative offers that speak to new audiences

Focus on sustainability: Replace ageing and outdated building systems, and minimise embodied carbon in new interventions, to meet net zero targets and secure the Barbican Centre for future generations 

There are two main elements of the phase 1 proposals that link to the Sculpture Court:

• The original doors onto the Sculpture Court will be reinstated as the main Conservatory entrance and exit. This, combined with the plan to give regular public access to the restored Conservatory, will make the Sculpture Court a more significant point of welcome
   
• The entrance that links the Sculpture Court to the Level 3 Foyer (for the Art Gallery, cloakroom, toilets and Garden Room) will be renovated with wide new automatic doors, a new ramp that is compliant with current building regulations and suitable for wheelchair users, new built-in planters on each side of the entrance and the restoration of bespoke Barbican lights

We’re aligning work to the Sculpture Court with phase 1 of Barbican Renewal, with proposals in this consultation to be delivered as part of the peak construction phase between summer 2028 and summer 2029. This is subject to funding, planning permission and detailed construction planning.