The Barbican Estate Residents Consultation Committee met on Monday 26 October 2026 to discuss a range of estate management issues. Key topics included the performance of the new in-house repairs service, progress on major works projects such as lift refurbishments, and updates from various working parties on climate change, gardens, and service level agreements.

Report of Director of Property and Estate Management

Dan Sanders, Director of Property and Estate Management, presented a report on various estate management matters. He noted that the new in-house repairs service, launched on 1 September 2026, was performing well, with key performance indicators (KPIs) showing better results than previous third-party operators. The service aims to reduce its backlog of works in progress to zero by the end of the calendar year. The Barbican App continues to be a popular communication tool, with over 1400 registered users, and a web version is soon to be released.

A review of the Barbican Estate's car parks, storage facilities, and cycle provision, led by Arup, is underway and expected to conclude by the end of 2026. The Ambue feasibility study into heating and overheating across the estate is also ongoing, examining both winter performance and summer overheating issues.

Updates were provided on the wet riser systems in the residential towers, with specialist consultants engaged to assess remedial works and costs. The London Fire Brigade has assessed the situation and considers the overall risk to be low, agreeing interim firefighting arrangements. Regarding wooden flooring, legal advice suggests that enforcement based solely on its presence may be difficult without evidence of noise nuisance. A protocol is being developed to manage future cases of noise nuisance. The expert witness report has been received and is undergoing internal review. The responsibility for podium repairs rests with the landlord, and these costs will not be apportioned to individual residential service charge accounts.

The governance review's initial findings have been received, and stakeholder engagement sessions are planned for November and December 2026. The City Corporation's Legal Services team has confirmed that flat numbers may be shared with House Groups, subject to a signed agreement, with Defoe House piloting this approach. A review of historic corporate support service recharges is also underway. The Barbican Estate Office has taken over responsibility for the Barbican salvage store. A methodology for installing smart meters in properties with asbestos has been developed, with implementation anticipated in 2027. House inspections have recommenced with a revised approach to improve consistency.

Major Works Programme Board

The Major Works Programme Board (MWPB) is focused on developing the estate's long-term capital investment strategy and overseeing key projects. Recruitment for three Senior Project Manager positions is ongoing, with two appointments made. Significant progress has been made on appointing a specialist consultant for the Tower Block Lift project, with a target appointment date of 23 November 2026. Procurement documentation is being prepared for the Terrace Lift project, which will address ageing lift electrical systems over three to four years. A resident working party is being established to provide input on this project, with applications for volunteers closing on 30 October 2026. Discussions are continuing regarding the Brandon Mews canopy options. Lessons learned from the redecoration project are being documented, and a refund of £238,673 in project management fees is being provided to leaseholders. The estimated value of the 30-Year Major Works Programme is approximately £261 million.

Report of the Reporting Committee

The Reporting Committee has been working on several key areas. The procurement process for an independent service charge audit is ongoing, with a firm expected to be appointed before the end of 2026. The consolidated accounts for 2025/26 show an overall underspend of £1,289,602, largely due to lower energy costs and benefits from the City of London's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). An overspend was noted in lifts and general repairs and maintenance. The Barbican Redecoration Project 2020–2025 resulted in a refund of £238,673 in project management fees. The Communications Policy has been broadly endorsed, and efforts are being made to improve the timeliness of the Statutory Compliance Report. The Committee has requested a higher-level summary of key statistics and performance metrics, and a gap analysis of KPIs is being developed.

Action Tracker

Several actions have been proposed for closure, including those related to resident involvement in procurement and service charge working party tasks. An update on resident involvement in procurement confirmed that service charge payers can be involved in the procurement process.

Working Party Updates

Climate & Zero Carbon Working Party (CWP)

The CWP is working on a protocol for heating during the shoulder months (September and May) to replace the current discretionary system, aiming to incorporate automated switching based on forecast temperatures. They are also exploring the implications of new planning policy regarding the climate adaptation of listed buildings.

Gardens Advisory Group (GAG)

The GAG reported that the summer's heatwave and drought had caused significant losses in the estate gardens, with the full extent of the damage to be assessed in the spring. They are urging the BEO to prioritise plans for climate-resilient gardens. The GAG also applauded the efforts of the City Gardens team in maintaining the gardens despite the challenging conditions.

Service Level Agreement Working Party (SLAWP)

The SLAWP noted concerns about the availability of data for assessing service delivery, particularly regarding cleaning standards and repairs. They emphasised the need for clear metrics to improve service delivery and reassure leaseholders. The report highlighted issues with the Barbican App's interface with the Civica repairs system, the backlog of repair jobs, and the timeliness of repairs. The SLAWP also raised concerns about resident involvement in the terrace block lift project and the effectiveness of block inspections.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

A question was raised about progress with deterrents such as CCTV, particularly in light of the Barbican Centre's upcoming renovation. Work is underway with the Barbican Centre to structure an agreement for additional security staff to conduct patrols across the estate. CCTV will remain operational even when the centre is closed for refurbishment. Additional CCTV is also being explored for car park areas. A report with more detailed information is expected in February 2027. In response to a question about the government's emphasis on self-safety, it was confirmed that the council has disaster recovery plans in place for major power outages, fires, and bomb threats, and that uninterrupted power supplies are provided for communal infrastructure, including lifts.

Any Other Business

A question was raised about progress with deterrents such as CCTV, particularly in light of the Barbican Centre's upcoming renovation. Work is underway with the Barbican Centre to structure an agreement for additional security staff to conduct patrols across the estate. CCTV will remain operational even when the centre is closed for refurbishment. Additional CCTV is also being explored for car park areas. A report with more detailed information is expected in February 2027. In response to a question about the government's emphasis on self-safety, it was confirmed that the council has disaster recovery plans in place for major power outages, fires, and bomb threats, and that uninterrupted power supplies are provided for communal infrastructure, including lifts.