Lindum completed the restoration of the Grade II listed Barbican building in Lincoln, transforming a long-empty landmark into a new creative hub for the University of Lincoln.

The building, which dates back to 1867, had been vacant for more than a decade and had fallen into serious disrepair. Working with Lincolnshire Co-op as part of the wider Cornhill Quarter regeneration, our team carefully brought the structure back to life while preserving its Victorian character.

The project included restoring the iconic glazed dome, repairing historic plasterwork and masonry, and installing new sash windows and joinery crafted by Lindum’s in-house team. Inside, the layout has been reimagined to create exhibition and performance spaces, studios, meeting rooms and a café/restaurant area. Modern services and accessibility improvements have been added discreetly to ensure the building is both functional and future-proof.

A fabric-first, sustainable approach guided the work throughout. Original materials were repaired wherever possible, the dome was restored rather than replaced, and low-impact paints and lime mortars were used to support the building’s long-term health. Most labour and materials were sourced locally, supporting Lincoln’s economy and reducing environmental impact.

The project also created opportunities for apprentices, work experience students and local schools to learn about heritage construction and conservation skills.

The restored Barbican is now home to artists, students and community groups, marking an exciting new chapter for this much-loved building at the heart of the city.