Renewal, cross‑arts seasons, access, and community impact. London, 5 September 2025 Abigail Pogson CEO takes the helm at the Barbican in January 2026. The brief is clear: renew the building, refresh the program, welcome more people. Backed by £191m from the City of London Corporation and a phased plan, the Centre can move faster and serve better. Key facts: start 5 January 2026; £191m Renewal; Phase 1 defined.
The plan for 2026
The City of London Corporation owns and funds the Barbican Centre. It has committed £191m to Renewal. Phase 1 targets foyers, lakeside, catering block, and the Conservatory. Public consultations this year showed over 90% support. Planning and listed‑building applications are submitted. Fundraising continues for delivery. Key facts: scope fixed; finance secured; approvals in train. Meaning: design, money, and timelines now align.
Programme and people
The programme shifts to seasonal, cross‑arts blocks. Music, film, theatre, dance, and visual art connect by theme and time. Learning and community work stay core. Teams support artists with time, space, and simple processes. Audiences get clearer info and faster choices. Under Abigail Pogson, teams align across arts, learning, and commercial work. Key facts: seasonal plan; community focus; simpler journeys. Result: stronger seasons and fuller houses.
Spaces and access
Arrivals become calmer. Routes get clearer. Seating feels natural. Systems cut waste and cost. Small fixes compound across a long day. Visitors stay longer and do more. Key facts: better welcome, flow, seating, signage; lower energy use. Bottom line: simple changes create the biggest daily gains.
Events and partners
The Barbican hosts conferences, launches, and association events. Service levels rise as spaces improve. Each hire helps fund arts and learning. Partners get better rooms and clearer support. Abigail Pogson keeps culture and commerce aligned. Key facts: iconic rooms; central site; events underwrite culture. Outcome: better events bring better culture to more people.
Timeline and next steps
Track Renewal milestones and season launches through 2025–26. Add key dates to your calendar. If you run events, book site visits and tech checks early. Arrive ready to act when doors reopen. Abigail Pogson turns plans into steps you can use now.
Why it matters now
Audiences want ease and quality. Artists need time and support. The city needs a strong cultural core. Abigail Pogson anchors leadership through a major upgrade. Renewal fixes the places where people meet the art. The Square Mile gains access, energy, and pride of place. Key facts: 90%+ public support; £130m+ annual cultural spend by the City; linked projects at Salisbury Square and the London Museum. Meaning: culture drives footfall, learning, and value.
Final word
Abigail Pogson CEO sets a clear course. The plan is funded and timed. Renewal modernises spaces that shape every visit. Artists gain room to take risks and grow. Audiences get easier routes and more time for art. Partners see faster service and clearer returns. Milestones land through 2025–26, then doors open on improved foyers and a brighter lakeside. In short, London’s cultural engine gains real power.
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