00:01The future of one of Sunderland's best known modern landmarks is attracting fresh national
00:06attention. The National Glass Centre is due to be added to save Britain's Heritage's
00:12Buildings at Risk Register from the 1st of July ahead of its planned closure at the end of July.
00:19The charity says the centre is among the youngest buildings being added to the register this year
00:25because of its architectural importance and also because of its place within the local community.
00:32It says the listing is intended to raise awareness and hopes the additional publicity could help to
00:39encourage an imaginative future for the site. However, inclusion on the register does not provide
00:46any extra legal protection or change the planning process. The University of Sunderland, which owns
00:53the building, has announced plans leading towards demolition.
00:58It says prohibitive running and repair costs mean the centre can no longer remain open and says it
01:04continues to follow all planning rules and guidance relating to the closure.
01:10Campaigners and the University remain divided over the site's future,
01:15with the debate continuing as the planned closure approaches.
01:19the charity says the register highlights buildings whose future deserves wider public attention.
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