Culture House opens with library and arts space

A culture hub replacing a city's library and gallery spaces has opened, months after it was supposed to and millions of pounds over budget.

Culture House Sunderland, near Keel Square in the city centre, is a multi-purpose venue featuring a library, exhibition and events spaces, bar and podcast studio.

Director Leanne Littlewood said "there's something for absolutely everybody across all of our spaces".

Originally billed to open in autumn 2025 at a cost of £27m, it is understood the final bill was closer to £40m because of increasing construction costs.

Its doors opened on Saturday at 10:00 BST.

Littlewood said: "People can wander around, they can sit down and enjoy the space, they can take part in an activity that's happening on one of the many floors that we have."

The main atrium features moving screens for exhibitions and there is a green screen and cinema space, as well as a 360 degree immersion gallery.

"All of those spaces are centred around telling stories or creating connections or providing opportunities to the communities of Sunderland," Littlewood said.

The venue replaces Sunderland City Library, which has been closed since December, and will house the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art - previously held in the now-closed The National Glass Centre.

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