The Gig Cartel - Venues: York Barbican

York Barbican is managed by SMG (UK) Ltd. SMG is one of the world’s largest international venue operators. York Barbican is the latest addition to SMG’s expanding UK theatres division, which also includes The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, the Journal Tyne Theatre in Newcastle and Whitley Bay Playhouse, with Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre and Baths Hall to follow later in 2011.

York Barbican is owned by City of York Council and has opened after a major £2m investment. This includes a £1.5m refurbishment of the much-loved venue enhanced with a dedicated restaurant, meeting rooms and improved public and back of house spaces.

The Barbican offers a diverse programme of events taking advantage of the venue’s 1500 seated and 1900 standing capacities. The opening season includes comedy, a range of music events, snooker, family shows and community events. The annual Festival of Remembrance and the Lord Mayor’s Carol Concert will return to the Barbican as a regular part of the programme, as will the Guildhall Orchestra. 

In addition to its role as an entertainment venue, the Barbican will be an important addition to York’s business tourism offer, hosting a range of events from large conferences to smaller meetings and private events. SMG is already working with Visit York and the hotel sector to attract conferences to York, increasing further the positive economic impact that the re-opened Barbican will generate in the city.  With a seated auditorium capacity of 1450, York Barbican is the largest conference venue in York.

SMG is worked with partners Arup and Fuse Design on the redevelopment.  York Barbican will eventually have the equivalent of 60 full time members of staff.