The Forum

The Forum is built on the site of the old Norwich Central Library, which was devastated by fire in 1994, destroying books and precious documents. Despite this loss, Norwich has since been awarded the UNESCO title: City of Literature in 2012, demonstrating great resilience from the community, and mirrored by The Forum’s cultural efforts.

Designed by the award-winning architect, Sir Michael Hopkins, the flagship building frames and overlooks the gothic church tower of St Peter Mancroft, forming an open, culturally diverse City Centre which reflects the wider city.

As a much-loved not-for-profit, The Forum does not receive regular funding from the government, council, or the lottery. As a result, a significant portion of The Trust’s overall income is generated through the car park revenue and is reinvested into the building and the free programme of events, all of which contributes to the safeguarding of the iconic building and the future of the charity.

Alongside the car park, income is also generated by:

• Rent from tenanted organisations such as Citizens Advice, the bustling Pizza Express, as well as the headquarters for BBC East
• Hire space for exhibitions, events, meetings, and performances
• Grants and sponsorships