The Forum Centre

The original Forum opened in 1971. One of Manchester's largest public buildings, it had a leisure centre, library, theatre, main hall and meeting rooms.

By the mid 1990's it was under used, had deteriorated internally and externally and needed substantial investment. Its management structure was fragmented and no longer fit for purpose.

With the plans to extend Manchester's Metrolink tram system to the Airport via Wythenshawe, there was a concern that Wythenshawe residents would go elsewhere for their leisure and cultural activities.

From 1998 onwards the Wythenshawe Partnership and Manchester City Council conducted extensive consultation with the local community and feasibility work around a number of options.

In December 2001 this all led to a redevelopment strategy for the building, the main elements of which were:

• A complete physical remodeling of the existing building and the addition of two new build elements devoted to childcare and health.
• A re-engineering of local services around the Forum to focus on four integrated service element; leisure, adult learning, childcare and health on one site and provided by a variety of public and private sector partners.
• An innovative management framework led by the Wythenshawe Forum Trust, an independent, not for profit body established to steer the project forward, provide strategic management and ensure joined up working on an ongoing basis.

Additionally the new Forum, along with a new Police sub-divisional Headquarters and improved transport link was designed to help strengthen the town centre and provide a landmark project to raise Wythenshawe's profile within Manchester and beyond.

Drawing on a variety of public and private sector funding a package of over £18 million was put together and the proposal was adopted and the majority of the work is now complete.

The New Wythenshawe Forum

The newly refurbished Forum is a complete contrast to the old 1970's building.

The refurbishment has created a new feel and appearance. External improvements include new cladding, improved car parking and lighting, a newly landscaped public square and impressive entrances incorporating public artworks designed by artists working with local people.

Visitors now enter a light, airy, central concourse which as well as providing access to the various zones within the Forum also features a one-stop reception area, a café area and two small retail outlets. Tenants should occupy these outlets during 2008.

The completed Forum Redevelopment Project was evaluated in 2006 and the evaluation report is available as a download on this page.

Each zone within the Forum is also either new or completely remodeled:

Forum Leisure

The Forum Leisure centre has been completely refurbished and updated and now provides:

• A fully equipped, state of the art gym
• Dance studio
• 25 metre swimming pool and training pool
• Health suite with sauna and sun beds
• Sports Hall
• 1000 capacity Forum Hall
• Meeting rooms

To find out more visit the Forum Leisure page.

Forum Learning

The old theatre building has been converted to provide Wythenshawe newest adult learning facility. Forum Learning includes:

• Jobcentre Plus for advice on job hunting, training or updating skills
• Adult courses meeting a wide range of needs be they upgrading skills, starting a hobby or retraining for a different career.

To find out more visit the Forum Learning page.

Forum Library

The Forum Library has been completely upgraded and now includes:

• A new collection of books
• A relaxing area to read in easy chairs while enjoying a coffee
• Free computer access and computer based learning centre
• Refurbished homework centre
• Teen and children's libraries
• A huge music and film library
• Reference and information areas

To find out more visit the Forum Library page.

Forum Nursery

The Forum Nursery is a brand new extension to the Forum and offers:

• A 100 place, fully equipped nursery for under 5's
• A crèche facility

To find out more visit the Forum Nursery page.

Forum Flavours

All catering on the site is run by Forum Flavours and includes:

• Café
• Vending machines
• Meeting and hospitality catering
• Events bar

To find out more visit the Forum Flavours page.

Forum Health

Forum Health is a brand new extension to the building focusing on local health needs including:

• Walk-in treatment centre
• Doctor's surgeries
• Nursing
• Dental practices
• Health Living Network hub
• Minor surgery
• Foot care
• Speech and language therapy
• Mental Health services
• Capacity for Social Services

To find out more visit the Forum Health page.