Glass centre closure ‘reputational risk’ for Sunderland

Commenting on the decision to close the National Glass Centre as a standalone attraction, Lib Dem councillor for Doxford Heather Fagan said:

"This is a devastating blow for Sunderland. Losing the glass centre as an attraction in its own right poses a huge reputational risk for the city, its cultural scene and its ability to attract people to Wearside. With this announcement hot on the heels of the much-loved International Airshow being axed, it seems like this Council is hell bent on closing down Sunderland to visitors.

"It is ironic that we celebrate Wearside's history with glass but are unable to properly maintain a glass building that is just 25 years old.

"On Tuesday this week, Sunderland Culture bosses were asked about the future of the glass centre at a meeting of the Council's Economic Prosperity Committee but gave no indication that it was being mothballed. I am calling on Sunderland Council bosses to urgently come up with a plan to work with the University, Sunderland Culture, Government and anyone else who can help in order to save the Glass Centre at its current site.

"It is not right that new developments like Culture House go ahead but at the expense of removing much-loved attractions and resources like the Glass Centre."