University to close glass course over costs

The National Glass Centre has to move because of costly repairs

Sunderland University has announced it will close its glass and ceramics programme based at the National Glass Centre.

The centre has been forced to move because of multimillion-pound repairs and a feasibility report estimated relocating the course would cost about £9.4m.

The university’s board of governors decided moving the programme was not "financially viable" and it would close in the summer of 2026.

A consultation with affected staff has started and the university will stop recruiting students for the undergraduate course.

'Solidarity'

Campaign group Save the National Glass Centre said it stood "in solidarity" with staff and students.

"We are distraught to hear that, like a thief in the night, Sunderland University is taking away our glass and ceramic courses leading to inevitable loss of highly skilled staff, valued teachers and of course eventually the building itself," it said.

The university said it was "committed" to providing courses in the arts and creative industries.

"No decisions have been made regarding the future of the site beyond summer 2026," it added.

The Riverside site, which also houses Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, opened in 1998.

A series of works have been carried out on the building in recent years, which included the closure of public access to the roof.

The university said the course announcement did not impact the search for alternative location for other activities based at the Glass Centre and the building remained open in the meantime.