Preparatory work to replace the Sands Centre, Carlisle RAAC auditorium roof will start in September.
Following a detailed structural assessment of the roof last year by specialist engineers, a recommendation was put forward to replace the RAAC panels in the auditorium roof.
The assessment of the roof was undertaken following the change in the previous government’s guidance on the use of RAAC in buildings.
Following this decision, Cumberland Council had appointed Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd and following the agreement of a design for the replacement of the RAAC panels the project will be entering its construction phase.
To deliver this work, funding has already been secured from within existing council capital budgets. The costs of the roof replacement works are around £2.5 million and are expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
In addition to the removal and replacement of the RAAC panels, the council is also undertaking some additional internal improvements to the auditorium including a full replacement of the customer seating and upgrades to the back of house facilities.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“It is fantastic that this project is entering its next phase with the necessary improvements to The Sands Centre now getting underway.
“This is essential investment in one of the region’s premier entertainment venues and once completed will see the return of an improved venue for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Following the temporary closure of the auditorium last year, GLL, who manage the venue on the council’s behalf have moved their classical concert programme to the sports hall within The Sands.
The temporary closure of the events space to allow the works to be undertaken does not impact on the day to day running of the main leisure centre.
The new main Sands Centre building’s leisure provision is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall.
A Spokesperson for GLL said:
"We are excited that the works are now progressing to the construction phase and can’t wait to welcome audiences back to the venue in Spring 2025. We look forward to working with Cumberland Council and Cubby Construction Ltd to establish a reopening date and hosting top class entertainment in Carlisle once again. In the meantime, we advise customers to keep an eye on thesandscentre.co.uk and our social media channels for show announcements, news updates and more.”
Cumberland Council and GLL will provide further updates on the opening date of the event centre and the events programme for 2025 as soon as these are confirmed.
As part of the roof replacement, several associated works will be carried out.
These include upgrading the ventilation system (which involves visually altering the roof profile by removing the plenums), enhancing the lighting system, and upgrading the fire alarm system.
Additionally, the roof access will be improved to facilitate future maintenance of the equipment located on the roof.