SME contractor BSB wins £176m Barbican Renewal construction management role

BSB Construction has beaten three tier one contractors to secure the construction management role on the £176 million Barbican Renewal Programme, marking a major win for the Hertfordshire-based SME.

The Corporation of London selected BSB ahead of Bovis, McLaren and Sir Robert McAlpine following a competitive tender process. The appointment remains subject to a standstill period ending on 16 July, with the contract expected to be signed later this month.

Under the agreement, BSB will provide construction management services for the refurbishment of the iconic Grade II-listed Barbican Centre, helping deliver one of London’s most significant heritage regeneration programmes.

Valued at £5.1 million, the contract will run until January 2030, with an option to extend if required. BSB will manage multiple trade contractors appointed directly by the Corporation of London, overseeing programme management, site logistics, health and safety, stakeholder engagement and procurement throughout the project.

During the pre-construction phase, the contractor will develop the master construction programme, support procurement of trade packages and help prepare the Building Safety Act Gateway 2 submission for the higher-risk building.

The appointment comes ahead of a substantial pipeline of works planned under the Barbican Renewal Programme, including £60 million of infrastructure and enabling works, a £50 million conservatory refurbishment and a £30 million upgrade of the Barbican’s public foyers.

The project is expected to create significant opportunities for specialist contractors across heritage restoration, M&E, fit-out, infrastructure, conservation and building services as procurement of the major works packages progresses.