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The new landmark project for the East of England, the Forum in Norwich, sees completion this Thursday 1st November with the opening of its new library. The stunning new Forum building is a major new civic meeting place within the historic city of Norwich and has been supported by a lottery grant of £31.5 million from the Millennium Commission. The Forum comprises: - - Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library ?
this stunning new building houses the regional public library and includes 220 study spaces, 85 of which are equipped with terminals, providing free access to the internet and a wide range of CD ROM information sources. - Origins
- a new multi-media attraction taking the visitor on a 2000-year journey through time, exploring the influence of invaders and settlers on the people and culture of the region. The visit culminates in a 180ø film show setting Norwich & Norfolk in a modern day context. - 2nd Air Division USA AF Memorial Library ?
replacing and extending the original, this library will contain over 4,000 specialist works with study desks and an exhibition and meeting area. - Learning Shop and City Learning Station ?
will provide information and guidance services as well as training in IT, business and management and other information on adult education. In addition, The Forum houses a new Tourist Information Centre and a variety of catering offers managed by PizzaExpress. BBC East will also become resident during 2002. A new public square has been created alongside the new building which has been named Millennium Plain in recognition of the Millennium Commission's contribution to the project. Mike O?Connor, Director of the Millennium Commission, said, "The Forum builds on a great Norfolk tradition of learning but it does so in a modern way which I believe will capture the imagination and admiration of all those who visit this wonderful building in a superb setting in the heart of Norwich. "It is an excellent example of the work the Millennium Commission is supporting which is helping to breathe new life into our great cities and providing a catalyst for further regeneration. The project will encourage tourism, boost the economy and provide new access and opportunities for all. It is an excellent use of lottery money and is creating a lasting legacy which will be felt for years to come." The Millennium Commission is investing £1.3 billion of National Lottery money in around 200 capital projects on 3,000 sites around the UK. Much of this investment has gone towards projects which will either directly or indirectly provide educational resources for people of all ages and abilities. Projects include the creation of a new University for the Highlands and Islands, a million books for schools and the Challenger Learning Centre at the National Space Centre in Leicester which teaches children about space science and travel. In addition, 20,000 small grants have been given to individuals across the UK to put a bright idea into practice to benefit themselves and their wider community through the Millennium Awards Scheme. A huge range of innovative projects have been undertaken from artists skills sharing groups to community support groups. -ends- Notes to Editors - The Millennium Commission is one of the good causes funded by the National Lottery.
- The Millennium Commission has also supported:
- Around 200 new buildings, environmental projects and visitor attractions on over 3000 sites across the UK.
- A UK-wide programme of community festivals which began on New Year?s Eve 1999 and culminated on New Year?s Eve 2000 with celebrations in 32 towns and cities across the UK.
- The Millennium Experience at Greenwich and the National Programme.
- The Millennium Commission also works with over 100 Awards Partner organisations to distribute Millennium Awards to individuals for community based projects. 20,000 people have already received a Millennium Award and there are still thousands of Awards available. Further information is available on 0800 06801 2000.
For further information contact: Millennium Commission Press Office on020 7880 2007, out of hours 07775 573263. For information on media previews or to bid for interviews, please contact Donna Barker at Band & Brown Communications on 01603 417722. Useful web sites ? www.millennium.gov.uk www.starpeople.org.uk www.theforumnorfolk.com For television enquiries please contact Marc Leuw at The Television Consultancy on 020 7435 4343. back to top Copyright © 2000 The Millennium Commission
Millennium Commission 30th-October-2001
Categories: News Archive
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