The final phase of the Forum, Norwich's £63.5m Millennium project has opened. Origins, the Forum's star attraction opened in time for the half term break, closely followed by the Millennium Library, the original 'rason d''tre' for the project. The original library was destroyed in a fire seven years ago. Billed as the 'gateway' to Norwich and Norfolk, Origins stretches over three floors and takes visitors on a 2000-year journey exploring the region's past through interactive exhibits and computer games. It is expected to attract 140,000 visitors a year. Designed by architects Michael Hopkins & Partners in the shape of a horseshoe, the development also includes Millennium Plain, a public square to open in 2002. The Forum is funded by a £31.5m grant from the Millennium Commission with matching funding from Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and the business community. PizzaExpress has invested £1m in the project and will operate all catering facilities at the site, including a PizzaExpress restaurant and Marsano, a new deli offer. Managed and operated by The Forum Trust, one of the most important elements of the project is its role as the hub of a network in Norfolk for the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of lifelong learning. BBC East will relocate its Norwich-based television and radio operations to the Forum and the public will be able to view its activities through glass studios.
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