University bosses invited to discuss future of 'vital' Sunderland Glass Centre site

University of Sunderland officials are to be invited before a council committee to discuss the future of the city's beleagured glass centre.

The National Glass Centre on the banks of the River Wear is marked for closure in 2026. Owned by the university, the building - which marks the city's glassmaking heritage and the history of firms such as Pyrex - requires substantial construction work to fix defects in its roof.

An external review commissioned by the university estimates this could take around £45m - and has said previously that it cannot justified the costs required given its own financial circumstances. Campaigners have disputed this figure - and a petition to save the centre in its current location has more than 35,000 signatures.

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The National Glass Centre opened in 1998 with lottery support - it has glass blowing facilities and a range. The university has also previously announced that while it is looking to relocate some of the facilities it will be closing its glass and ceramics course as moving it was also not financially viable.

The future of the site on the city's riverside is now unclear - and opposition Conservative councillors proposed inviting the university to a scrutiny meeting to discuss the issue. Coun Lyall Reed said: "Although we can’t force the University to engage with us I think it is vital that the University of Sunderland, as a key stakeholder in our city and regeneration plans, comes to committee to talk with councillors about their future use for the Glass Centre Site.

“Not only does the current building serve as our city's main place for remembering our glass-making heritage but it is also a prime location by the riverside. The future use of this site will play a vital role in our city's regeneration. We can’t allow this to become another Vaux Site that sits empty for years before development.”

The university has said it was yet to receive an invite - though would continue to be transparent about plans and the process around the centre's closure. A university spokesperson said: "The University has not received any invitation to the Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee. However, as we have done throughout the process, we will continue to be transparent and open in addressing any issues surrounding the closure of the National Glass Centre building."

The invite relates to a meeting set to take place in January. The city council said it recognised the importance of glass to the Sunderland's heritage.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: "As part of an update to the Economic Prosperity and Skills Committee in January on Culture and Heritage and its contribution to the local economy, the committee will be inviting Sunderland Culture (in which both the University and Council are partners) to attend as they have done on a number of occasions in previous years. It will also be inviting someone from the University of Sunderland to attend to provide an update on the National Glass Centre if appropriate.

"Due to the condition of the building, the University of Sunderland Board took the decision to find an alternative location or locations for activity delivered at the National Glass Centre (NGC). The City Council recognises the importance of glass in our history and cultural heritage and has been involved in discussions with the University and wider stakeholders as we seek to support ongoing development of opportunities for both learning, exhibiting, and making glass across the city.

"The council and University work closely together as key stakeholders to support the ongoing development and regeneration of the city and to maximise the positive impact the University can have within and across our communities. There is some time before the National Glass Centre building is due to close and any redevelopment of the site would be subject to planning and other regulatory requirements."