Sunderland is on the cusp of a significant cultural transformation with the approved enabling works for the new Glassworks site at the historic former Peter Smiths Antiques building in Sunniside, a move hailed as an exciting step towards a new creative hub but not without considerable public debate.

The city’s cabinet recently signed off on the design and initial works, aiming to preserve the 1882 heritage property and prepare it for its future as a vibrant centre for glassmaking. This development is crucial for maintaining the city’s long-standing tradition of glass artistry.

The decision, made by Sunderland City Council’s cabinet on July 24, 2025, sets in motion plans for the Glassworks Sunderland project, which intends to continue a centuries-old craft. This initiative seeks to provide a dedicated space for artists and artisans to practice and evolve their skills.

While Nick Malyan, chief executive of Sunderland Culture, expressed enthusiasm for the project, the proposed site has faced criticism, with some branding it a “downgrade” from the existing National Glass Centre (NGC). The Save the National Glass Centre campaign has garnered over 30,000 signatures, advocating for the NGC to be restored and re-opened as a publicly-owned facility.

Crucially, the cabinet’s approval means the council will utilize a UK Shared Prosperity Grant of £2.4 million from the North East Combined Authority. This substantial funding is designated for essential repairs and enabling works to secure the structural integrity of the heritage building, ensuring its readiness for future fit-out and its role in Sunderland’s urban regeneration efforts.

Further bolstering the project, Sunderland Culture has independently secured £5 million in support from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s Cultural Development Fund for Glassworks: Sunderland. This significant investment underscores the national importance placed on the continuation of glassmaking within the city and highlights the commitment to cultural development.

Despite these funding successes, many stakeholders are actively questioning the decision to proceed with the closure and likely demolition of the existing NGC, a facility that has long honored Sunderland’s rich glassmaking heritage. Labour councillor Denny Wilson, for instance, has penned an open letter to the University of Sunderland, owners of the NGC, urging for greater transparency and a halt to any hasty demolition plans.

In response, Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor of the University of Sunderland, stated that the university had “not yet determined what will happen to the NGC site” but conceded it was “likely that the university will incur the cost of demolishing the building properly and safely at the earliest possible opportunity” before deciding next steps, adding to the ongoing public discussion.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration, and business at Sunderland City Council, emphasized that Glassworks would “preserve glassmaking in the city,” calling it a “fantastic step forward” in restoring a key heritage building and attracting further investment, thus intertwining cultural preservation with economic vitality for Sunderland.