Notice of Motion - Protecting our heritage
This Council regrets the decision taken by the University of Sunderland to close the
National Glass Centre in 2026. Preserving Sunderland’s glassmaking heritage is vital
to the city’s cultural offer as well as the Council’s economic growth ambitions.
The University has taken this decision due to what it claims are unaffordable repair
costs and sustained operating losses. Council expresses concern regarding the
accuracy of the cost estimates so far presented.
Council therefore resolves that the Chief Executive will write to the University’s Vice
Chancellor with the following questions:
1. What is the scale of the Centre’s operating loss in the current financial year
and the preceding 5 years?
2. Do those losses reflect the cost incurred when structural changes were made
to the Centre’s main façade in 2022?
3. How does the University account for the Centre’s income and expenditure?
4. Will the University release all documents relating to its ownership of the
Centre and confirm whether that ownership is subject to any restrictions?
The proposal to establish an alternative glassmaking provision in Sunniside in 2027-
28, known as Glassworks: Sunderland, fails to address the loss of expertise caused
by the Centre’s closure, ignores the economic implications for the surrounding area,
and is itself only partially costed.
Council further resolves that the Chief Executive will prepare a detailed report, to be
made public within 6 weeks, with the following terms of reference:
1. Fully explain the proposed ownership structure of Glassworks: Sunderland.
2. Consider whether the National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for
Contemporary Art will continue to exist in any form following the closure of the
Centre Building.
3. Outline the capital and revenue cost of making Glassworks: Sunderland fully
operational (i.e. the cost of relocating equipment, refurbishment, fitting out,
employing staff) and how this will be funded.
