How the upcoming closure of the National Glass Centre has impacted Sunderland community through memories and heritage
Written by Aura Stephenson on 24th March 2026
Aura Stephenson investigates how the community is reacting and coming together with the closure of the National Glass Centre looming
The National Glass Centre is a community space that holds beautiful art and glass work, a cafe with river views and glass blowing demonstrations to be emersed in Sunderland’s heritage. Everything is very bright and modern with areas filled with guests taking part in workshops or having coffee and cake. Currently, there is a display of work from past graduates to celebrate the success of the University of Sunderland glass and ceramics course. The display features all different types of glass and ceramics artwork.
In January 2023, the university concluded that they would have to rehome the National Glass Centre due to structural issues that would cost too much to repair. The National Glass Centre is set to close 31 July this year; however, there has been campaigning as well as the local Labour government calling to keep it open.
Credit: Aura Stephenson
Since the announcement of the closure, a group called ‘Save the Glass Centre’ has been campaigning to overturn the ruling made by the university. According to the campaigns’ website, there have been over 41,000 signatures in support of keeping the National Glass Centre open.
Carolyn Basing is the Chair behind the campaign who is also a glassmaker and tenant at the National Glass Centre.
Discussing the origins of the campaign, she said: “The campaign was started by locals who could not believe that their National Glass Centre was going to be destroyed by the university. We have researched extensively and led an evidence-based campaign.”
One of the fact checking parts of their campaign was challenging the figure of £14-45 million to repair the National Glass Centre that the university has provided. Carolyn said: “We believe that there are substantial savings that can be made by examining the university’s figures in more detail. We’ve asked construction experts to check the cost, and they have identified savings that can be made.
“We believe a figure of six million is achievable.”
The University of Sunderland was asked for comment in regard to this claim. A spokesperson for the university said: “It has been three years since the University first announced the closure of the National Glass Centre. Since then, no individual or originisation has come forward with a feasible plan to cover the cost of the capital works required on the building which range from £14-45 million.
“Given that nearly 90% of its income comes from student tuition fees, the University must spend money on its core purpose 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 National Glass Centre holds memories for many people within the Northeast community. One example of this is Jonathon Cole, a business student alumnus at the University of Sunderland who has his own personal and emotional connection to the National Glass Centre. He said:
“In 2002, I abseiled from the National Glass Centre building dressed as Spiderman to raise money for the then Cancer Research Campaign (now Cancer Research UK) in remembrance of my Mam who passed away in 2000 after a long battle with bowel cancer.
“After seeing the National Glass Centre at the abseiling event, I was amazed by all the work they do there. Going there makes you feel so relaxed and helps you switch off, especially watching the live glass making sessions.”
He is really upset over the closure of the National Glass Centre for himself as well as people he has come to know through the glass centre. He discusses:
“We have been taking my nephew there to different classes and there have been so many other families there who are also very upset about the University of Sunderland deciding to close it down.
“I have got to know the artists there, which has been great and to see them lose their place to work at and educate people is incredibly sad. They love doing their job and inspiring, teaching other people.”
Credit to Aura Stephenson
As well as members of the community, there is also a worry on how the staff are dealing with knowing that the site is getting ready to close in July. The staff work within the National Glass Centre in their workshop space.
Tim Betterson is a senior glass and ceramics technician at the university who studied his undergrad degree at the University of Sunderland and was offered a position at the University as a technician three months after graduating. He worked as a technician over different sites until he settled in the National Glass Centre. He finds his job really rewarding when discussing why he decided to stay at the university. He said:
“I had no real ambition to go on to do my own work as such. It is really rewarding, helping the students realise their dreams, seeing what they can achieve. Most people when they turn up don’t have any glass knowledge, but they will come in with ceramics knowledge and then get bitten by the glass bug.”
When asked about his feelings and opinions behind the closure, Tim said:
“Unfortunately, in my eyes, there were certain cutbacks and this meant there was a lot on the maintenance side and when the University took it over, a lot of damage had already been done to areas such as the steel work.”
As 31 July looms closer, the community spirit stays strong with appreciating the unique impact the glass centre has had on everyone. Sunderland glass history will never be forgotten with the help of the strong community, whatever the future holds.
