Campaigners claim Glassworks Sunderland location 'unsafe'
Last November the University of Sunderland announced the NGC would close in July 2026, blaming unaffordable repair costs for the decision.Glassworks, at the former Peter Smith Antiques site in Sunniside, is planned to open in 2028.
'Potentially hazardous'
The report presented to cabinet on Thursday claimed the new facility would "act as the catalyst for the establishment of the Sunniside Creative Hub" and would help increase footfall to the area.According to the document, the council acquired the building in 2024 "in poor state" and a survey identified a need to complete about £1.7m of repairs to the roof and windows alongside mechanical and electrical upgrades. Enabling works could start as soon as September, subject to funding.
A spokesperson for the group fighting to save the NGC said: "Placing a potentially hazardous industrial process next to family homes, and doing so without genuine public consultation, is reckless and disrespectful. "We are not being listened to."Campaigners urged the Labour-run city council to pause the Glassworks development, engage in "a full and transparent public consultation and develop the NGC as a safer and much more suitable location".
Sunderland City Council said: "The works considered at Thursday's cabinet meeting relate to the repair and preservation of the former Peter Smith Antiques building."As and when any planning application is submitted the necessary statutory processes will be followed, including appropriate public and stakeholder consultation."Sunderland Culture said: "We continue to make good progress in developing our plans for Glassworks: Sunderland. "This will include all necessary planning approvals and permissions."
Campaigners have previously raised concerns that the project costs could exceed the £7.5m estimate, especially if extensive safety and infrastructure modifications are needed to make the new site viable.The group has also warned that glass-making might be "lost forever" from Sunderland if the move failed. "The National Glass Centre is world-renowned," added the spokesperson. "Tearing it down without a proven, safe alternative is a cultural tragedy in the making."Sunderland Culture has previously said its fundraising target reflected the costs "for making the building fit for purpose as a glass-making space".It has also said there would be an interim provision in the city to address the gap between the NGC's closure in 2026 and Glassworks opening in 2028.
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