Important update regarding the future of the Forum and Market Hall.
You will be aware of the situation regarding the major ongoing improvement works in both buildings that have necessitated the relocation of both market traders and theatre shows to alternative locations and buildings in the town and beyond.
As the project has progressed, the delicate nature of the work surrounding the removal of asbestos has become ever more apparent and this week following fresh survey reports, we have taken the difficult decision to close the entire Forum building while it is being completed.
It is estimated that this could take up to two years.
The primary reason for this is due to the next phase of the work on the Market Hall requiring the use of heavy machinery and the possible risk that vibrations could impact the structure of the Forum and disturb areas of asbestos which are currently safely contained and make them unsafe.
While we understand that as valued users of the venue you will be understandably upset by the news, we hope that you can appreciate that our utmost concern has to be for our customers, staff and the general public as a whole.
The closure is expected to take effect from the end of March 2025 and between now and then we will be working hard with event organisers and promoters to try and relocate shows and conferences to suitable, alternate venues.
We also recognise the Forum’s value as a community resource in terms of the popular café and toilet facilities and we will also be looking at potential alternative arrangements.
The Santa Express pantomime which is currently running in our conference suite will be unaffected and will continue as normal until its scheduled close on 24 December.
Ticket holders for events scheduled at the Forum beyond 1 March 2025 will be contacted directly with advice about their options.
All events from 1 March 2025 are being taken off sale immediately.
The Forum will remain open as usual to people wanting to use the café and toilet facilities between now and end of March 2025 and we must stress that there are no health and safety risks in these areas.
Once again, we would like to express our sadness at the closure but reaffirm our commitment to our community that we will be doing everything we can in the coming months to ensure that we can continue to deliver as much as we can for the people of Barrow,
As ever, thank you for your understanding and support.
To read a full press release click here