The Forum is the landmark Millennium project for the East of England and is on the site of the former Central Library which was destroyed by fire in 1994. This £65 million project was funded by a £31.5 million grant from the Millennium Commission and matching support from Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and the business community. Having been opened to the public in November 2001, The Forum was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2002 and now attracts approximately two million visitors per year.

 

The building is staffed twenty four hours a day, 365 days per year, and is open to the public from 7am to midnight every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

The Forum is managed and maintained by The Forum Trust, an independent, charitable company which holds a 125 year lease to look after it on behalf of the Millennium Commission and local councils. As part of its mission statement, the Trust will also continue to develop activities and services for the benefit of the community so that everyone can enjoy and use The Forum. At various times of year you will find an ice rink and other entertainment outside, with craft fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, concerts and more inside the building.

 

The Forum contains a number of different businesses and organisations which allow you to find out about evening classes, buy a coach ticket, borrow a DVD or send emails, have a break for coffee and pick up some birthday presents all in one visit.

 

A number of other services are also made available to the public by organisations within The Forum. Please see Facilities for more details.