Italian Forum

A beautiful but noisy oasis right in Norton Street Leichhardt, just off Parramatta Road. You would be forgiven for thinking that you are in Italy, considering the architecture and the Italian food, restaurants and ambience. Not an ideal location for a library, even though that is a great thing. Things are meant to be designed this way, and on purpose and within good reason too. Combine the natural noise of this open playground with visitors, and aircraft noise (as Leichhardt is along the flight path) means not a great locale for many residents living here.
It is beautiful in the evenings and late at night, and also on a beautiful warm day weather wise. The statues are great, and the abundance of walking space is divine. Not a huge fan of retail shopping here; only for eating out and occasionally going to the library. The great coffee and gelato on offer can be a pleasant distraction to those studious types. Nothing much has changed except for the sculptures, and is great local flavour for anyone living in the Inner West, not just for those of you living in Leichhardt. Definitely well designed, and a great place to socialise as opposed to unwind.

With its multitude of restaurants and cultural events, the local Library, various retail stores including an expensive but utterly beautiful Masks of Venice store and Leichhardt living, all rolled into one location, the Italian Forum is the place to go when you want to head out somewhere with a bit of atmosphere an variety.
Shaped like some kind of colosseum, or a forum would probably be more accurate, the Italian Forum is a hotspot for night time activity with its many restaurants and gelatiers.
Occasionally plays are performed in the Cultural Offices to make use of the large amphitheatre space and art works are displayed in throughout the stoned area.
The Forum is only two or three doors down from Norton Plaza so many people park in the Plaza Car Park and then walk briskly or at whatever pace is suitable for the occasion and the individual to the forum.
The only thing the forum is missing is a night club or bar for getting drinks at, though chances are if they did it would be tacky and ruin the atmosphere of what is a very family friendly place, so it’s probably a good idea that they didn’t. Phew that was a close call, I almost ruined a Leichhardt Landmark with my ill thought about notions.