Multi-agency meeting over city's glassmaking

An upcoming multi-agency meeting could be a "significant step forward" for a city's glassmaking future, campaigners have said.

The event, which is expected to discuss how to protect and develop the craft in Sunderland, comes as the National Glass Centre (NGC) closed its doors in July.

A date for the meeting, which will be organised by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, is yet to be confirmed.

Save the National Glass Centre group is calling for representatives of the city council, Sunderland Culture, Arts Council England, the University of Sunderland and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to attend.

"The campaign believes the meeting represents an important opportunity to move beyond entrenched positions and explore what could be achieved through collaboration, imagination and local leadership," a spokesperson for the campaign said.

"What we need now is open and honest dialogue. We need people to come to the table prepared to listen, to challenge assumptions and, most importantly, to consider what might be possible rather than simply what has been decided."

The NGC closed on 31 July amid a dispute over the building's repair bill, which site custodian the University of Sunderland placed at between £14m and £45m.

A replacement, called Glassworks, is set to open in a former warehouse in 2028.

Efforts to protect the glass centre building from demolition are also ongoing.

The Mayoral Strategic Authority said McGuinness wanted to see Sunderland's "long history of glassmaking continue and grow" after the NGC's closure.

"Mayor Kim has said she'll be happy to help bring together all those people who can help glassmaking thrive, at Glassworks and beyond, as an important next step," a spokesperson added.

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