Glassworks: Sunderland finds Sunniside home

Sunderland’s creative community has welcomed plans for a “hugely ambitious” £5 million glassmaking hub in Sunniside, with the historic former Peter Smith antiques warehouse earmarked as its future home.

The funding, secured by Sunderland Culture from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will help establish Glassworks: Sunderland as a nationally significant centre of excellence for glassmaking and “unleash the creative potential of Sunniside”.

The project aims to safeguard the city’s proud 1350-year glassmaking heritage while driving growth among creative businesses and “breathing new life” into a building that currently stands empty, aligning with wider regeneration plans in Sunderland.

Glassworks: Sunderland will be developed in collaboration with partners including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the University of Sunderland and Sunderland City Council, with further investment being sought to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Nick Malyan, Sunderland Culture chief executive, said: “Glassworks: Sunderland is a hugely ambitious project that will unleash the creative potential of Sunniside, a place that is already brimming with creativity.  

“There’s a sense of freedom and expression in this area that Glassworks will build on, and we’re really excited to work with businesses in the area.”

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for communities, culture and tourism at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s been brilliant to see proposals for Glassworks: Sunderland receive such a warm welcome from the wider city community, as well as creative businesses in Sunniside, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to move this exciting project forward.”

Theatre Space North East (TSNE), which had previously expressed interest in the warehouse, is now working with Sunderland City Council to explore alternative ways to expand theatre provision.

Corinne Kilvington, TSNE founder and artistic director, added: “Because we recognise the importance of glassmaking to the area, and the unique characteristics of the Peter Smith antiques building, we will explore other ways of delivering on our ambitions with the council while supporting the vision for a glassworks in Sunniside.”  

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