The site of the Museum of London has emerged as the clear favourite for the location of a new world-class concert hall, according to reports.
An independent feasibility study by Sir Nicholas Hytner, former head of the National Theatre, has apparently backed plans which would see the creation of a cultural hub in the City of London involving the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the new venue where the museum is currently housed.
The site because the frontrunner as soon as the Museum of London announced its hopes to move to bigger premises at Smithfield General Market which became available after the government stepped in to block a controversial commercial development.
Reports today suggested the only alternative, the re-development of the Barbican itself, would be difficult because it is listed Grade II.
The issue of London’s lack of a world-class hall came to a head because of fears that Sir Simon Rattle would be deterred from taking up a position in the capital because of his concerns at current facilities.
But he has in any case signed up to become music director of the London Symphony Orchestra, which is based at the Barbican, from 2017.
