ISG wins Barbican project

ISG has won a major project to create two new cinema auditoriums at the Barbican in London - one of the world's leading arts and conference centres.

The project will see ISG convert an existing exhibition hall into the new cinema spaces, in a scheme that also includes major alterations to the building’s façade to create a stunning street level entrance on the corner of Beech Street and Whitecross Street. The exteriors are designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects.

Once opened to the public in autumn 2012, the new cinemas will add to the acclaimed Cinema One at the Barbican, enhancing the venue’s reputation for delivering a programme of specialist and international cinema, live events and quality new releases. The redeveloped entrance façade will give the Barbican a street-level presence on Beech Street that will put the venue at the heart of the City of London’s Cultural Quarter.

Designed by specialist architects, NBDA, the fit out of the cinema auditoriums will include seating for audiences of up to 156 per screen, along with washroom facilities, projector housings and associated cinema operations. The cinemas will be the first new venue accommodation at the Barbican since it first opened its doors to the public 30 years ago.

Paul Cossell, managing director of ISG Fit Out, commented: “This is a very significant project for the Barbican that reflects the significance of cinema and the central role that the Barbican has to play in the cultural landscape of the City of London. Successful project delivery here is about both the prestige of the venue, and also the complex logistical challenges that surround this scheme in an extremely busy, mixed-use environment.”