UK Government funds £5m Sunderland glassmaking hub

The UK government has committed £5 million to establish Glassworks: Sunderland, a new glassmaking hub in the former Peter Smith antiques warehouse on Borough Road, Sunniside, as the National Glass Centre is set to close in 2026. The new facility aims to preserve 1,350 years of glassmaking heritage and will be operated by Sunderland Culture in collaboration with partners such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Sunderland City Council. While local creative businesses have welcomed the project, some community members express disappointment over the closure of the existing glass centre, viewing the new site as insufficient. Sunderland City Council emphasizes that the new facility will provide specialized resources for artists and is intended to become a self-sustaining hub. The initiative aligns with broader regeneration efforts in Sunderland, and stakeholders are keen to develop a robust business model to ensure its success. However, the project is still in the early stages, and further investment is being sought.