Sunderland Uni probes National Glass Centre demolition
The highly debated removal of the building has reached the next phase, with the university pressing ahead with its plans to demolish the cultural venue in Roker.
The demolition proposals relate to the National Glass Centre site on Liberty Way in Roker, which extends to around two acres.
Plans are limited to demolition only, with no redevelopment or change of use currently proposed. Following demolition, the site would be cleared and made safe.
A request has been submitted to the council seeking a screening opinion on the proposed removal of the building, which the university says would cost around £15m to repair.
Planning consultancy DPP, acting on behalf of the University of Sunderland, has asked the council to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required ahead of a prior approval application for the scheme.
In its submission, DPP concludes that while the scheme falls within the “urban development project” category under EIA regulations due to its size, it is unlikely to result in significant environmental effects.
Potential impacts such as dust, noise and vibration are expected to be temporary and managed through standard demolition controls and a construction environmental management plan.
It comes after a recent Sunderland City Council meeting where councillors voted to ask the university to “immediately halt its planned closure and demolition” of the NGC.
The demolition of the NGC has drawn criticism from local campaigners, who dispute the university’s estimated repair costs.
