The Barbican Centre is to get a £231m overhaul after plans to upgrade the Grade II listed arts venue were given the go-ahead. A number of accessibility issues will be addressed in the revamp, which was approved by the City of London Corporation, with step-free access throughout the site. The Barbican's distinctive brutalist foyers and lakeside terrace will also be developed to protect the heritage of the building, and a climate-controlled habitat to support plant health is to be introduced. Philippa Simpson, the Barbican's chief operating officer, said she was "thrilled" planning consent had been granted. "This programme invests in the whole life of the centre. It will improve access, release spaces for public use, and support ambitious artistic work at every scale," she said.…