The University of Sunderland, who have now managed the centre for fifteen years, say that repairs required to address the building's structural issues would cost between £14 and £45 million - and that none of the protestors have come forward with donations. The university was advised of the cost by external specialists after a survey in 2022, which found corroded steelwork and that poorly planned systems allow water through the roof.
The centre attracts 200,000 visitors a year and is widely considered an icon of the region's artistic, cultural and industrial history. It is located on the former site of J.L. Thompson and Sons shipyard, close to St. Peter's Church, where abbot Benedict Biscop commissioned Britain's first glassmaking project in the 7th century. Glassmaking was a rapidly-growing industry in the region, exploding in the 18th century, and Pyrex manufactured their products in the city for 85 years.
The centre is widely considered an icon of the region's artistic, cultural and industrial history.
Fierce campaigner, councillor Denny Wilson, was suspended by the Labour party due to his part in a motion by Conservative councillors. The motion questioned the costs being used to justify closing the centre instead of repairing the building. The motivations behind demolishing the building have also been questioned due to interest in the land from housing developers. Wilson said that the National Glass Centre closure “is about civic pride, is about Sunderland's cultural offer, the tourist economy”.
Sunderland City Council have ordered a report to examine whether the centre could relocate or continue in another form. It will be housed in a former Peter Smith warehouse and renamed Glassworks, with £5 million funding secured from the government, yet campaigners say this figure “feels like [Sunderland] has been robbed”. Campaigners, including the Save the National Glass Centre group, have concerns that Glassworks will not be suitable. The potential issues with the building’s safety and that the project may run out of money is extremely concerning to campaigners.