A striking new chapter in Lincoln’s cultural life has begun with the launch of the Barbican Creative Hub, a purpose-built space for creative talent, innovation and enterprise at the heart of the city.
Set within the Grade II listed former Barbican Hotel on St Mary’s Street, the Hub has been reimagined as a vibrant anchor for the region’s creative and digital economy. It is the result of a landmark partnership between the University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire Co-op, City of Lincoln Council, and Lincolnshire County Council, made possible with investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Town Deal, Historic England, and Arts Council England.
The launch event, which took place on Thursday 29 January 2026, brought together civic leaders, local creatives, and community partners to celebrate the building’s rebirth as a collaborative hub for Greater Lincolnshire’s cultural future.
Originally constructed in 1867 as a gentlemen’s club, the building has seen many incarnations, including a hotel and restaurant, before falling into disrepair. Its restoration honours the historic architecture while creating Creatives in Residence studios, a flexible coworking space, creative office studios, event spaces, tech suites and a breakout area designed to foster collaboration, inclusion and growth.
The Barbican Creative Hub is designed to offer a connected suite of creative spaces that respond to how artists and creatives work today and in the future. This will include flexible venues for exhibitions, research, performance and events; specialist creative-technology facilities; and spaces for podcasting, collaboration and studio-based practice for creatives in residence and start-ups.
The Barbican hosts a Creatives in Residence programme, alongside workshops, talks, and opportunities for skills development and collaboration across the region’s creative community.
Ben Anderson, Creative and Executive Director Lincoln Arts Centre, said: In a short space of time, we’ve convened national conversations through sector-leading conferences and commissioned landmark data insights. The next chapter is about place: making the building operate as a shared home for creative industries, where residencies take place, creatives are commissioned with members and tenants sitting side by side – democratising access and creating meaningful connections across the sector.
Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: This is a proud moment for Lincoln. The Barbican Creative Hub brings together the region’s talent, ambition and civic spirit in one extraordinary place. It’s a space where creativity can drive economic and social renewal, and where people from all backgrounds can belong, connect and thrive.
Alison Hands, Chief Executive Officer, Lincolnshire Co-op, said: Bringing this beautiful and historic building back into use has been a collaborative achievement, demonstrating what is possible when partners work together for the benefit of our communities. The Barbican is a well‑known Lincoln landmark, and seeing it thrive once again as a modern, multi‑use space provides a welcome boost to the local economy while adding to the character and vitality of our city’s streetscape.
Naomi Tweddle, Town Deal board member and City of Lincoln Council Leader said; It’s incredible to see the recent transformations the Barbican has undergone. Located in the heart of the city centre, the building has a rich history and many stories to tell, which is why it’s so important that the refurbishment has been handled with great care and consideration for its heritage.
“With support from the Be Lincoln Town Deal, we have been able to give the iconic building a much-needed new lease of life, supporting the city’s creative talent. We hope that both local creators and the public will be able to enjoy everything the Barbican Hub has to offer.
The Barbican Creative Hub is already being recognised as a model for sustainable, place-based regeneration. By investing in creativity as infrastructure, the project aims to attract and retain talent, grow new businesses, and energise Lincoln’s city centre economy.
As the space comes to life, it will serve as both a community anchor and a national exemplar, showing how heritage, partnership and creativity can combine to shape the future of place.