What is the overall vision for Glassworks?
To secure the long-term future of Sunderland’s 1350+ year, internationally-recognised glassmaking heritage by investing in people, skills, making and production.
Is Glassworks replacing the National Glass Centre?
No. Glassworks is a maker space rather than a museum. It has been developed as a new proposition focused on making, production and skills while retaining opportunities for public access, learning and participation.
Who is Glassworks for?
Professional makers, emerging practitioners, learners, creative businesses and the public through an active programme of engagement.
Why is it a maker space instead of a museum?
The project has been designed to strengthen Sunderland’s glass economy by investing directly in production, skills and practice in a new, sustainable model.
How has the design imagery been produced?
The Glassworks images are based on the detailed architectural scheme submitted for planning and have been professionally produced using industry standard methods.
Why is Glassworks in Sunniside?
Sunniside is Sunderland’s established and recognised creative quarter and the focus of significant regeneration and creative industry investment. The building itself was identified due to its size, strategic location and history as a site of production.
Will all forms of glassmaking continue?
Yes. Every major form of glass and ceramics production currently available at the National Glass Centre is included in the scheme.
What will happen to the National Glass Centre’s collection?
Sunderland City Council is working closely with the University of Sunderland to enable the safe transfer and formal accession of the collection of glasswork and ceramics currently held by the University. This would unite the contemporary glass works currently held at the National Glass Centre with the city’s historic glass and ceramics collection. Opportunities to display the works will be considered in parallel to the redevelopment of Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens as part of the plans to showcase the museum’s collections and maximise opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the city’s collections as a whole.
Is the building safe for glassmaking?
Yes. A bespoke fire-engineered strategy has been developed specifically for the historic building.
Will the historic building be damaged?
No. Fire safety and engineering solutions have been designed to protect the building’s historic fabric.
Can the building support heavy industrial equipment?
Yes. Heavy equipment is located on ground-bearing slabs and supported by dedicated infrastructure.
Is there enough electrical power?
Yes. A dedicated substation and switch room provide the specialist electrical capacity required.
Will there still be public access?
Yes. Public engagement remains central through demonstrations, exhibitions, learning programmes, open studios and events.
Will there be a cafe?
No. Space has been prioritised for making, studios and production facilities rather than visitor amenities. There are a wide variety of independent cafes within the Sunniside area people can visit.
Will there be a shop?
No permanent retail offer is planned. The focus is on supporting makers and creative production. Online retail and in-person sales options elsewhere in the city are being explored.
Will there be a dedicated car park?
No. The building is served by 12 nearby public car parks together with Metro, rail and bus connections. Dedicated cycle parking is also provided within the building.
How will deliveries be managed?
A dedicated service yard and loading area have been incorporated into the design.
Are hot glass studios safe in residential areas?
Yes. Hot glass studios operate safely in mixed-use and residential areas across the UK, including London Glassblowing in Bermondsey, with risks managed through specialist equipment, ventilation, fire-resistant construction, operating procedures and robust fire-safety strategies.
Should the building include large chimneys like the ones at National Glass Centre?
The service design for the building includes all of the necessary safe extraction for glassmaking as it is currently practiced in Sunderland. Glassworks will not be melting ‘batch’ glass – containing raw materials such as sand, silica and ash – no large-scale chimneys are required. Instead the facility will use ‘glass nuggets’ which is what has been used at National Glass Centre for over a decade.
How will people evacuate safely?
Dedicated firefighting shafts, protected escape routes, specialist evacuation facilities and multiple exits are included.
Will furnaces be noisy?
No. Acoustic screening and building-envelope measures have been incorporated to minimise noise and comply with environmental noise standards.
Will Glassworks create jobs and opportunities?
Yes. It supports makers, creative businesses, skills development and wider creative economy growth. In addition to the glass and ceramics facilities, there will be hireable studio and co-working space so that people can grow their own practices and businesses.
What happens before Glassworks opens?
A transition programme includes commissions, business support, residencies and interim activities designed to continue artist and audience engagement.
How will makers be supported during the transition?
Support includes bursaries, commissions, temporary workspace and regional partnerships.
Who will operate Glassworks?
The project will be delivered through a partnership including Sunderland Culture and Sunderland City Council. Experienced glass and ceramics artists will be at the heart of its operation.
When will Glassworks open?
The permanent facility is currently planned to open in 2028.