We the undersigned call upon the University of Sunderland, Sunderland Council, and regional and national bodies, to do all that is in their power to retain the National Glass Centre, including glass blowing and skills based learning, at the auspicious St Peter’s location.

We believe that it is one of the few nationally important buildings in the city that draws in visitors from across the region and beyond. It is vital to the vibrancy of the city and adds significantly to the lives of local people, businesses, and students in the area.

Keeping alive the 1350 year old tradition of glass making is vital to the cities heritage, culture and identity.

We understand that the cost of maintaining such an iconic and nationally important building may be too high for University to bear, and urge alternative arrangements to be found to safeguard the National Glass Centre, and the future of the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art.