New Sunderland locations being explored for reimagined National Glass Centre

The University of Sunderland is working with its partners Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Culture to explore “vibrant” new city centre locations for the National Glass Centre (NGC).

The NGC has been owned by the University since 2010 and is also home to the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) and the University’s glass and ceramics academic programmes. In recent years, the University has undertaken a series of works to address structural-related issues in the NGC, including the closure of public access to the roof.

Now, a specialist external review has concluded that a multi-million-pound investment would be required to address these issues if the NGC were to remain at its current riverside location. As a result, the University’s Board of Governors have decided that the best way forward is to find an alternative location, or locations, for the NGC.

The University is actively exploring options which would put a reimagined National Glass Centre “at the heart of Sunderland’s cultural regeneration”, with the potential to reach new and larger audiences and is working with key partners, including Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Culture to establish suitable sites. Culture House is one of the sites being discussed.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, commented: “The University is committed, as far as it is practically possible and viable, to maintaining within the city the exhibition and display of glass art, alongside academic work in glass and ceramics.

“As well as undertaking internal review work on these matters, we are also in active discussion with Sunderland City Council about alternative locations for the activities currently undertaken within the NGC and NGCA. Hopefully, we will have more details to share in the coming months.

“I recognise this is an uncertain time for staff and students based at the NGC, but we need to act now, given that the University is not in a position to spend the millions of pounds required to secure the longer-term future of the current NGC building.”

Councillor Linda Williams, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for vibrant city, added: “Across the city we have an excellent cultural and heritage offer, and really strong partnerships through which to continue to grow and develop that offer.

“Plans for Culture House are beginning to take shape - an exciting major new investment now underway at the heart of the city for residents and visitors alike.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →