Barbican Centre reveals plans for restoration work

The site opened in 1982 on London's biggest post-war bombsite site

London's Barbican Centre has revealed initial plans to renovate three of its most well-known spaces.

The Grade-II listed cultural destination is publicly consulting on proposals to restore and improve its Lakeside, Foyers and Conservatory areas in the first round of works at the complex.

In December, the City of London Corporation, the centre's founder and principal funder, committed £191m to support the first five-year phase of works.

A spokesperson for the centre said that since its opening in 1982 on London's biggest post-war bombsite, it had "deteriorated significantly".

The Lakeside will be repaved to address leaking and have its fountains upgraded

The proposals are:

• At the Foyers, plans include improvements to lighting, new facilities and upgrades to doors and lifts

• The Lakeside is to be repaved to fix leaks, fountains will be upgraded and New planting, lighting and glazing are also mooted for the space

• In the Conservatory, it is proposed that the space is made fully accessible and able to remain open for longer, plus other works to improve the experience.

Philippa Simpson, director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, said the centre was "a beacon of an optimistic future" in the wake of World War Two.

"This project is rooted in the vision and ambition of its founders, to reimagine what an arts centre can be in the 21st Century, a vital, creative space for everyone," she said.

The public consultation runs until 17 February.

The consultation feedback will feed into the next stage of the plans to be published in May.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 subject to planning permission.