Corporation of London

The Barbican Committee was established by the Court of Common Council on 3 October 1957 and was renamed the Barbican Development Committee from 16 January 1975. The Committee was disbanded by resolution of the Common Council of 3 November 1983, with effect from January 1984. When it was first set up in 1957, the Committee's remit was to implement the redevelopment by the Corporation of London of the 25.05 acres of land south of the former street known as Barbican (which became Beech Street following redevelopment). Initial instructions to the Corporation's project architects, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, were limited to preparing detailed proposals for this area, but subsequently the firm was instructed to collaborate closely with the City Planning Officer in the development of the area to the north of what became Beech Street as well. Large portions of both areas were then still derelict following enemy action during the Second World War. Chamberlin, Powell and Bon reported to Common Council on 28 May 1959 on both areas, and the report was referred to the Barbican Committee for consideration, with input from other Corporation Committees. From then on, the Barbican Committee was responsible for the redevelopment of both areas. From the Committee's renaming in 1975, its responsibilities were confined to the completion of the building work, and its responsibility for the management of all the completed residential premises was passed to the newly formed Barbican Management Committee with effect from 1 April 1975.

On the abolition of the Barbican Development Committee, its responsibilities for the Barbican Phase V (including the Barbican Centre) construction passed to the Barbican Centre Committee (COL/CC/BRC) with effect from January 1984. At the same time, the Barbican Development Committee's responsibilities relating to the final accounts relating to Barbican Phase V and other unresolved building contracts were transferred to the Barbican Contracts Working Party (COL/CC/BRW).

The Barbican development included large blocks of residential flats, as well as new premises for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City of London School for Girls, Barbican Trade Centre and the Barbican Centre (referred to in the Committee records as the Barbican Arts Centre). The residency at the Barbican Centre of the Royal Shakespeare Company (1982-2002) and the London Symphony Orchestra was envisaged from an early stage, and both organisations were involved with the Committee in the planning of the Barbican Centre.