Historic building to be new hub for glass industry

A HISTORIC city centre building in Sunderland is being preserved in preparation for its new use as a glassmaking hub.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

Sunderland City Council's cabinet has approved a programme of works that will preserve the former Peter Smith's Antiques building in Sunniside and prepare it for future occupation, with plans being developed by Sunderland Culture to transform it into a new glass-making hub.

The approval means the council is set to leverage a UK Shared Prosperity Grant of £2.4m from the North East Combined Authority to deliver a programme of essential repairs and enabling works to secure the integrity of the heritage property, built in 1882, in readiness for future fit-out.

The works will include repairs to the roof, windows, masonry and concrete structure as well as mechanical and electrical upgrades, and is expected to commence in the coming months, reaching completion by the end of March 2026.