“Sunderland is proud of our cultural heritage and the National Glass Centre has played a key role in putting the city on the cultural map for over 30 years.

“The University and it’s partners have done all they can to try to remain at the current site. However, following the conclusion of a specialist external review it is clear that a multi-million-pound investment would be required if the NGC were to remain at its current location.

“Although this is disappointing, I am reassured that the University and it’s partners are working hard to ensure that the first-class exhibitions that are enjoyed by thousands of people each year are retained within the city.

“The NGC was one of the last buildings built by the former Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and was green lighted in the mid-1990s. Government regulations at the time did not require the building to obtain planning permission before construction. Sadly, the reason the NGC is having to re-locate is due to poor design not a lack of maintenance.

“I am thankful that subsequent Governments have overhauled the country’s planning guidance in the years since the NGC was built, so that that the poor design flaws that have caused this problem don’t happen again.”