The Forum

The Forum stands in the centre of Barrow-in-Furness, a town on the edge of the Lake District. It was a theatre, media and arts centre with a large adaptable auditorium and stage. The building also housed several conference and function rooms, Barrow’s main tourist information centre and a Costa Coffee outlet. Opposite the town hall, it formed part of the town’s civic heart. A serious outbreak of legionellosis in 2002 was later linked to its air conditioning system. For decades it served as one of the area’s main cultural venues. The Forum hosted touring musical artists, comedians and other performers. It also staged the local multicultural festival and career conventions. Many theatre groups, both local and international, used its spaces for plays, productions and pantomimes. Its programme reached a wide audience across Cumbria and beyond. Visitors found a busy foyer with information desks and refreshment points. Inside, the auditorium could be reconfigured for different kinds of events. The conference rooms were used for meetings and exhibitions. The building’s position made it easy to reach from other parts of the town. Now it awaits demolition after its closure in 2025.