Transformation work begins on 'well-loved' Lincoln building with new images released

Work has started on the transformation of a Grade II listed building in the heart of Lincoln. The former Barbican Hotel opposite Lincoln railway station is undergoing a major refurbishment, with the new Barbican Creative Hub set to open in January 2025.

The new hub promises to offer a space for creative and cultural industries in the area to innovate, collaborate, and grow with access to inspiring programmes, co-working, and dedicated studios. It aims to welcome some of the 3,000-plus businesses and freelancers in Lincolnshire, spanning across 14 different subsectors from art to architecture, publishing to product design, curators to craft, and fashion to film.

The ground floor of the Barbican Creative Hub will feature a multi-purpose 'white cube' space which can be used for research and development, talks and events, pop-up exhibitions, and rehearsals. It will also offer a bespoke café bar that will be open to the public and host a series of events throughout the year.

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This will be combined with studios, meeting rooms, a members’ lounge and co-working facilities. There will also be a dedicated space for creatives in residence that will include generous support packages and affordable studios.

Sally Denton, executive director at the Barbican Creative Hub, said: "The Barbican Hotel has been a well-loved and iconic building in the heart of the city of Lincoln, and the restoration works being undertaken offer a contemporary reinterpretation of its original use as a member’s club. Through a considered approach, to both the building usage and the wider digital and physical membership offer, the Barbican Creative Hub aims to ensure that a high level of support can be accessed across Greater Lincolnshire.

"This will include a rich programme of activities, business and professional development, as well as opportunities to showcase the creative talent of the region. As a result, we anticipate the Barbican Creative Hub will become a dynamic place for other cultural and creative organisations and individuals to call home."

The project has been made possible due to a three-way partnership between Lincolnshire Co-op, the City of Lincoln Council and the University of Lincoln. A total of £1.7m was made available through the government's Levelling Up Agenda, £280,000 from the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone and a £1.6 million contribution from Lincolnshire Co-op.

Alison Hands, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: "We are delighted that the Barbican’s refurbishment will be sympathetic to the building’s history and will complement the eclectic and expanding offer in The Cornhill Quarter. With great proximity to the rail and bus stations and city car parking, it makes the location very accessible to the community as well."