OPEN Norwich
 | |
| Former names | Barclays Bank Ltd |
|---|---|
| Address |
20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF |
| Location | Norwich |
| Operator | OPEN Youth Trust |
| Seating type | Temporary |
| Capacity | 1450 |
| Construction | |
| Architect | Hudsons Architects |
| Tenants | |
|
The Prince's Trust, | |
OPEN is a venue and conferencing, live music & events space in Norwich, England. It is situated in the city centre, at the top of the Norwich Lanes. It is a Grade II listed building which was previously the regional headquarters for Barclays Bank. The original building was refurbished and reopened in 2010 as the home for its namesake, OPEN Youth Trust.
History
The original building was sold to Barlett Gurney in 1779 for the purpose of establishing the Gurney Bank. Gurney also installed bullion safes in the former wine cellars. In 1896, 20 banks including the Gurney Bank were amalgamated under the name of Barclay & Co Ltd. Barclays soon outgrew their premises and in 1926 a new building was designed with a huge banking hall, offices and strong rooms.
As a bank it was reputed to have had the longest banking counter in the UK and became the regional headquarters of Barclays until it was sold to the Lind Trust in 2003.
OPEN Youth Trust
After purchasing the building, the Lind Trust established a Youth Forum whose primary aim was to assess the needs of young people in Norfolk. In 2005 the OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) received charitable status. The charity currently relies on funding from grants and donations from Trusts, business and individuals.