Allies and Morrison to Restore Barbican Sculpture Court by 2030

London's Barbican Centre will reopen its one-acre Sculpture Court as a fully accessible public space in 2030, following approval by the City of London Corporation and an initial £147,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Allies and Morrison will lead the revival, working with engineers Buro Happold. The City of London Corporation has approved the plans, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund — the UK's largest heritage funder — has backed the project with the initial £147k grant.

The semicircular courtyard sits beyond the Art Gallery, above the Concert Hall, framed by the sweeping curve of Frobisher Crescent. Chamberlin, Powell and Bon's brutalist complex originally conceived it as a place where art and architecture could be experienced as part of everyday life. Over the years, the space periodically opened for seasonal installations and events, including outdoor cinema screenings. In more recent times, deteriorating infrastructure and limited accessibility left it largely underused.

The Sculpture Court revival forms part of the wider Barbican Renewal, a long-term conservation programme restoring the Centre's most iconic spaces ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2032.

Proposed interventions include climate-resilient planting, improved lighting, upgraded event infrastructure, accessible seating and paths, step-free access and clearer wayfinding. According to the project team, these changes will transform the Court into a welcoming space while safeguarding the heritage significance of its Grade II* listed landscape.

'The Sculpture Court is a much-loved part of the Barbican's remarkable heritage and one of London's most distinctive Grade II* listed Brutalist landscapes,' said Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 'This project will not only safeguard its heritage for future generations but also establish a vibrant urban green space that will enrich the Barbican experience for visitors and the local community. We look forward to seeing the plans progress as the Barbican reimagines this important place for the next generation.'

Community collaboration sits at the centre of the design process alongside the building's global architectural standing. During a Co-Design Day, young people aged 16 to 25 contributed ideas for making the Sculpture Court more inclusive, exploring how the space could bring people together through culture and shared experience.

'Culture belongs to everyone, to our communities and to the next generation,' said Philippa Simpson, Chief Operating Officer at the Barbican Centre. 'These milestones represent further momentum in the Barbican Centre's renaissance, securing the future of a cultural icon and global destination as we approach our 50th birthday, and making sure these special spaces continue to inspire people for generations to come.'

The Barbican will remain open to audiences while the works take place. Its programming will extend beyond the Centre with a season of performances, exhibitions and events across London throughout the construction period.