Here's everything Sunderland MP Lewis Atkinson said about campaign to save the Glass Centre
Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson has issued a statement to the Echo outlining his stance on the planned closure of the National Glass Centre (NGC) and the current proposed plan for a new glassworks hub at the former Peter Smith Antiques building.
The current owners of the city’s National Glass Centre, the University of Sunderland, have reiterated the centre will close to the public on July 31.
Following the university’s initial announcement in 2023 that the National Glass Centre is to close, a number of city residents established the Save the National Glass Centre campaign group who remain determined to save the current building.
Yesterday (February 18) a coalition of over 200 glass and ceramics practitioners and educators from across the UK and abroad have penned an open letter to the people of Sunderland saying they support the transition of glassworks in Sunderland to the proposed former Peter Smith Antiques building.
They feel focus should be on maintaining the tradition and skills of glassmaking in the city by supporting the Glassworks Sunderland project at the proposed new site, rather than trying to save the new building.
The Save the National Glass Centre Campaign Group say they have contacted all three Sunderland MPs “urging” them to support their quest to save the centre.
Group chair Carolyn Basing added: “We recently asked Lewis Atkinson MP to contact The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and urge him to facilitate a meeting with DCMS, campaigners and Sunderland Councillors.
“We are waiting for his reply.”
In a statement sent to the Echo, Mr Atkinson said the stance of the glassmakers “must be listened to” and that a viable solution to saving the current centre has still not been found.
Mr Atkinson said: “I remain determined to save Glassmaking in Sunderland. This intervention by 200 glassmakers provides crucial backing for the Glassworks plan (at the Peter Smith Antiques building), which the Government is backing with £5m capital investment.
“Over the last 18 months I have repeatedly met with local and national glass and heritage groups to try and find a solution to keeping NGC open.
“Unfortunately, none have identified a way of making the NGC financially sustainable on an ongoing basis once the University stops providing funding, and no organisation wants to take the NGC on themselves.
“No political group in Sunderland Council has proposed that hard-pressed Council Taxpayers step in to fill the £800,000 a year NGC funding gap.
“Glassmaking has happened in many different buildings over its proud 1350-year history in Sunderland. It would be a tragedy if a key part of our identity ends on 31st July. I am doing all in my power to stop that tragedy from occurring.
“There is no glassmaking without glassmakers - their view must be listened to.”
In their most recent statement to the Echo, the University of Sunderland doubled down on their original repairs costings and the closure date.
A spokesperson said: “It is three years since the University first announced the closure of the National Glass Centre (NGC). Since then, no individual or organisation - including Sunderland City Council - has come forward with a feasible plan to cover the cost of the capital works required on the building which range from £14m to £45m.
“Nor has anyone proposed a way of covering the £800,000 annual subsidy provided by the University to cover the NGC’s running costs.
"Given that nearly 90% of its income comes from student tuition fees, the University must spend the money on its core purposes of teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.
“It cannot afford the ongoing liability of maintaining and operating a building that does not have a sustainable future. The NGC will close to the public on July 31 (2026).”
The campaign group argue the “essential works can be done for more like six to seven million”.
An online petition to save the centre has so far gathered 42,000 signatures.