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A museum director is calling for a rethink on plans to demolish a glass centre, urging that it be handed over to the community instead.
The National Glass Centre in Sunderland, which has operated for nearly 30 years, closed to the public earlier this year following a decision by the University of Sunderland.
The centre represents the long history of glass in Sunderland.
The surrounding area is home to some of the earliest known references to stained glass in the country - in the 18th Century, several major glass factories could be found along the River Wear.
Alexander Goodger, director of the Stourbridge Glass Museum, has called on the University of Sunderland to gift the National Glass Centre to the Save the National Glass Centre campaign, which has relentlessly pledged to repair and operate the facility as a community asset.
Mr Goodger said: "Everyone you speak to in Sunderland says the same thing: why demolish it?
"It doesn't matter which party you speak to locally, from the Greens to the Lib Dems to Reform, they all want the same outcome."
He described the estimated £2 million demolition scheme as unnecessary, particularly given that the university has no plans for the site.
The building sits beside the River Wear. (Image: Getty)
The University of Sunderland said it had explored multiple options to keep the centre open, but none were financially viable.
The university said: "While the closure of the building marks the end of an important chapter, we remain committed to supporting cultural, educational and civic activity across Sunderland."
"The university has remained committed to transparency in its decision-making and this will continue as we move forward, following all planning requirements in relation to the planned demolition of the building."
Mr Goodger argues that universities have a duty to support the communities they serve, a view that he says is widely shared in Sunderland.
Drawing on his own experience, Mr Goodger pointed to the success of the Stourbridge Glass Museum, which was once a derelict factory but is now an award-winning, self-sustaining attraction.
The museum operates without government funding and is powered by a net-zero system using solar panels, Tesla batteries, and LED lighting.
Mr Goodger said: "The National Glass Centre is nothing like the state the Stourbridge site was in.
"It is barely 30 years old.
"The building still looks brand new.
"We can implement a similar plan here and save it."
He warned that demolishing the centre would result in the permanent loss of a key piece of cultural infrastructure in Sunderland.
Mr Goodger said: "A new National Glass Centre could work alongside the cultural attractions in the city centre.
"The loss of culture is irreversible.
"Once it's flattened, that's it for a glass museum in Sunderland."
He also raised concerns about the use of public funds in both the construction and proposed demolition of the centre.
Mr Goodger said: "I am calling on the University of Sunderland to gift the building to Save the National Glass Centre."
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"Let us fundraise to repair it and run it as a community asset", he added.
"I will give my full support to saving the National Glass Centre.
"Don't demolish it."