Demolition is 'unreasonable'

CAMPAIGNERS say the looming demolition of the National Glass Centre (NGC) in Sunderland is “cultural vandalism” after the date of its closure was announced.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

The National Glass Centre protest at Sunderland City Hall

(Iain Buist)

In 2022, the owners of the NGC, the University of Sunderland, took the decision to close it due to long-running structural problems.

A specialist external review, commissioned by the university, concluded that a multimillion-pound investment would be required to address the issues if the NGC were to remain at its riverside location.

The university's board of governors decided that the best way forward was to find an alternative location for the centre.

In January this year, it was announced that a new glass centre was to be created in the city after Sunderland Culture was awarded a £5 million grant by the Government.

The organisation said it would be working with London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Sunderland City Council and the University of Sunderland to develop Glassworks: Sunderland, in Sunniside.

However, since plans to relocate the NGC were announced, campaigners have continued to rally round to try to save the building and retain it in its riverside location in the St Peter’s area.