Barbican records second best year for corporate business as the combined arts and meetings venue celebrates its 30th anniversary.
In March 1982, the Barbican opened its doors to the public for the first time. And as the iconic venue commemorates its 30th anniversary, the Barbican is also celebrating its second best year for corporate business.
Anthony Hyde, general manager of Barbican Business Events, comments: “Meetings, conferences and corporate hospitality are an important part of the Barbican’s overall offering. And despite the economy stuttering and budgets being squeezed, the financial year for 2011-2012 was our second best on record. It’s recognition of the unique setting and high quality service we provide to clients. As the Barbican marks its 30th anniversary we look forward to the introduction of exciting initiatives and the completion of new spaces which will make the Centre even more attractive for meetings and conferences in the years to come.”
Barbican is located in the heart of the City of London, and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1982. The architecturally renowned Centre – designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon in the Brutalist style – is now a Grade II listed building. Barbican is comprised of many spaces including the 1,949 seat Barbican Hall, the 1,166-seat Barbican Theatre, a 286 seat cinema, the Barbican Art Gallery, The Curve, Lakeside Terrace, a roof-top conservatory and Garden Rom as well as extensive conference facilities and three restaurants.
As the Barbican looks to the future, corporate clients can look forward to business becoming more integrated with the arts. The recently formed Barbican Business Events will bring together the venue’s rich heritage and history in this area and their professional expertise within the corporate events sector. The new approach is based on stronger partnerships with the artistic, creative learning and development teams.
Anthony continues: “As we look forward, the next couple of years promise to be very exciting. Our aim is to provide the best possible services. With the launch of the new Barbican Business Events team, which gives corporate clients access to highly professional event organisers as well as leaders in various artistic fields, the opening of new spaces within the Barbican’s portfolio and a host of other initiatives we’re confident the next 30 years will be even more successful for the Centre.”
Barbican, unlike many other venues was specifically built with the dual purpose of holding conferences and arts events and this ensures it remains one of the world’s most creative venues. Being centrally located the Barbican attracts clients seeking a high quality location for meetings and all events can benefit from the venue’s links with the arts in order to truly engage delegates.
