The Barbican has announced that Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) have been appointed architects for its £12.25m foyer development.

The appointment of AHMM, who carried out the feasibility study and masterplan in 2001, means designs for the foyer can now get underway, with the main building programme expected to begin next summer, subject to planning consent.

The Barbican's commercial director, Mark Taylor, said: 'We are delighted AHMM has successfully tendered for the foyer scheme. They have an excellent understanding of the Barbican's original architecture and the ways in which we use the building and plan to use it in the future.'

In April this year, the Corporation of London - whose annual revenue grants fund the arts and conference centre - awarded the Barbican £31.23m for capital works over the next six years.

Work will be phased over four years, allowing the Barbican to remain open to the public throughout the renovations, with completion due in 2005/2006. Details: www.barbican.org.uk