The National Glass Centre (NGC) was closed to the public on 31 July 2026.
The University would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the staff who have worked at the NGC over many years.
Despite a range of conversations with individuals and organisations, no feasible plan emerged to meet the significant financial requirement for capital works, or the c£800,000 annual subsidy funded by the University, required to provide the NGC with a viable future.
Throughout the process, the University has been clear that almost 90% of its income is derived from student tuition fees. In a period of significant financial challenge across the higher education sector, our priority has been to protect teaching, research and knowledge exchange activities for current and future students.
The University has remained committed to transparency in its decision-making and this will continue as we move forward, following all planning requirements in relation to the planned demolition of the building.
The University is gifting for free any specialist equipment currently in the NGC which Sunderland Culture would like to use in the planned Glassworks project or to establish interim glassmaking facilities for artists.
While the closure of the building marks the end of an important chapter, we remain committed to supporting cultural, educational and civic activity across Sunderland.