Barbican | Overview
The Barbican Estate, or ‘the Barbican’, is a residential and arts complex built during the 1960s and 1970s in the City of London, predominantly in the historic area of Cripplegate, an area which had been devastated by bombing during the Blitz. It is best known for its concrete brutalist architecture, world-renowned arts centre, its Grade II listing (which it was awarded in 2001) and its elevated pedestrian walkways (or highwalks) which take people away from the bustle of the streets surrounding it. The Barbican’s central London location, proximity to the financial centre of the capital, excellent public transport links, peaceful residents' gardens, terrific amenities and, most importantly, its fantastic flats and houses, offer a quality of life that make it a highly sought after place to live - more than 50 years after its first residents moved in.
The complex was designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, whose first work was the earlier, ground-breaking Golden Lane Estate immediately to the north of Barbican. The residential part of the Barbican Estate was built on a 35 acre site between 1965 and 1976 with the first residents moving in in 1969. The Barbican Arts Centre, in the middle of the Estate, was completed in 1982. There are approximately 2,050 flats with around 50 mews houses and it is home to around 4,000 people.
The residential estate is comprised of thirteen 7-story terraced blocks constructed around gardens and a lake plus three high rise towers and several rows of mews houses. The main entrances to the blocks are all at an elevated 'podium' level which are all connected by a 'highwalk' or 'pedway' system away from any streets which helps keep Barbican life peaceful and isolated from the rush and noise of the surrounding city.
In addition to the residential blocks and towers, which form the substantial part of the Barbican complex, there is the Arts Centre, as mentioned. This is comprised of a main concert hall, theatres, multiple cinema screens, several art galleries, conference rooms and restaurants and a public library. The Barbican complex is also home to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City of London Girls' School, the Museum of London and, finally, the famous Barbican Conservatory, the second largest in London, it houses more than 2000 species of plants and trees.
Please click on the other Barbican tabs for an insight into the different blocks and types flats on offer within the Barbican Estate, an understanding as to why so many people love to call the Barbican their home and other useful information for Barbican residents or those looking to buy or rent through this Barbican estate and letting agency.