Trial excavation holes on the Podium

Barbican Podium Phase 2 works

The Barbican Estate has applied for permission for the “Excavation of 43 temporary 500mm x 500mm trial hole investigations across the Barbican Podium, land above Beech Street”. The application reference number is 22/00825/LBC and the full details can be accessed here.

This is, clearly, all to do with the Barbican Podium Phase 2 (BPP2) works.

By way of reminder the BPP2 development “encompasses a series of waterproofing, demolition and public realm works to the upper podium of the Barbican Estate, specifically the section of the podium that is primarily located between Frobisher Crescent and Ben Jonson House, above Beech Street Tunnel….Phase 1 of this refurbishment was completed in 2015. The proposed BPP2 development comprises essential repair works to the existing podium structure of the Grade II listed Barbican to address significant water damage, resurfacing to remove and replace damaged and non-compliant tiles and the implementation of a new landscaping scheme that will increase the amount of greening to address biodiversity and climate action targets of the City of London (CoL). Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the CoL, heritage stakeholders and the public throughout the development of these proposals as part of an iterative design process….

Prior to the submission of applications for planning permission and listed building consent for the BPP2 works, it has been agreed with the CoL that a number of trial holes/pits will be excavated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the structures immediately beneath the upper podium, including the waterproofing membranes. These investigations will inform the delivery of the wider landscaping works in due course, the warranties associated with such works and the maintenance regime of the space thereafter. As a result of the Grade II listed status of the Barbican Estate, Atkins Limited has prepared an application for Listed Building Consent to the City of London Corporation, in its capacity as the Local Planning Authority, for the excavation of 43x temporary trial holes to allow for the investigations detailed above”…….

For further information please read the Design, Access & Heritage Statement. The location plan for the trial holes can also be seen here.  

Anyone wishing to comment on this application can do so here.

The Standard Consultation Expiry date for comments on this application is 3rd October 2022