The National Glass Centre (NGC) will close its doors on 31 July 2026.
It has been over three years since the University first announced the closure of the NGC. Despite a range of conversations with individuals and organisations, no feasible plan from any group, including those campaigning to oppose the closure, has emerged to meet the significant financial requirement for capital works, or the c£800,000 annual subsidy currently funded by the University, to provide the NGC with a viable future.
The University has reiterated throughout this process that nearly 90% of its income comes from student tuition fees. Therefore, the priority, in financially challenging times for the higher education sector, must be to support teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.
Despite unfounded, and often incorrect, online commentary targeted towards the University during this process, we have remained committed to transparency in our decision-making. We have always engaged professionally and courteously, responding to any questions and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests put to us.
The reports below have been available to the public since 2023. They include the specialist external review commissioned by the University to assess the integrity of the building’s structure and the associated costings.
This report was an options viability appraisal to establish the future potential of the National Glass Centre and address ongoing maintenance issues. This report was received in July 2022.
Cost Estimate for National Glass Centre - Roof Feasibility (.pdf)
This set out the estimated total production costs for both future options and ongoing maintenance. A version was originally received in July and was updated to reflect updated design information. A final version was received in September 2022.
These reports were considered by the University’s estates and facilities staff and the University Executive. The findings were also considered by the Finance, Development and Resources Committee of the Board of Governors, before being taken to the full Board of Governors for a final decision in December 2022.