Meeting over glass centre's future to be held

The National Glass Centre opened in 1998 and is due to close next year

A public meeting will be held over the future of the National Glass Centre (NGC) and glass-making in a city.

The meeting, between campaigners trying save the centre from closure and council leader Michael Mordey, will take place at Sunderland's City Hall on 19 November from 18:00 until 20:00 GMT.

A spokesperson for the Save the National Glass Centre group said it "welcomed" the opportunity to discuss a "sustainable future" for the facility.

Sunderland City Council said it was focused on securing the future of glass-making in the city.

It comes after Labour councillor Denny Wilson threatened to resign back in September unless a meeting was held.

'Positive conversation'

The NGC is due to close in July 2026.

The University of Sunderland, which is the facility's custodian, has blamed unaffordable repair costs for the decision, but campaigners have disputed the accuracy of the estimated repair bill.

Save the National Glass Centre group said it was "delighted" the council had been listening to people's concerns and was "willing to start a discussion on how the 'world-class cultural asset' can be reclaimed for the city".

"We welcome the opportunity to have a positive conversation with the council leader about a sustainable future for the NGC," a spokesperson added.

There are plans for a replacement facility at the former Peter Smith Antiques building, which needs significant repairs

A spokesperson from the Labour-run Sunderland City Council said: "We recognise the value of engaging with all interested parties to hear their views about the future of glass-making in Sunderland and this meeting to hear from the Save the National Glass Centre campaign group provides an additional opportunity."

They added the council's focus remained on working with partners to secure the future of glass-making in Sunderland and ensuring artists and creators had "a place to continue their valued work in the city."

A replacement hub, Glassworks, has been proposed in the Sunniside area of the city.

Plans for the first phase of enabling works at the building on Borough Road, which dates back to 1882, were submitted in October.