The Forum is the landmark Millennium project for the East of England & 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 & matching support from Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council & the business community. Having been opened to the public in Nov 2001, The building is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days per year & is open to the public from 7am to midnight every day except Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
The Forum is managed & 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 & local councils. As part of its mission statement, the Trust will also continue to develop activities & services for the benefit of the community so that everyone can enjoy & use The Forum. At various times of year you will find an ice rink & other entertainment outside, with craft fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, concerts & more inside the building.
The Forum contains a number of different businesses & 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 & pick up some birthday presents all in one visit.