Work to remove the RAAC panels from The Sands Centre auditorium roof has taken another step forward, with the help of a 130-tonne crane working at a height of 14 metres above ground level.
A secure enclosure is being created to keep the building watertight for when the panels are removed in the New Year.
Cubby Construction, working on behalf of Cumberland Council, will carefully remove the panels in sequence over a period of four to six weeks. This process will be weather-dependent and can only be undertaken when the wind speed is below 7m per second.
Due to the size of the crane, the work is clearly visible across the cityscape.
Approximately 200 tonnes of RAAC concrete will be removed from the project and delivered in 20 tonne wagons to a local recycling yard where it will be crushed and mixed in to make ballast for future construction projects.
Cumberland Council is aiming to have the roof works completed by late spring 2025.
Internal improvements will then be completed over the summer followed by a new full programme of events starting in autumn 2025.
Preparatory work to replace the Sands Centre, Carlisle RAAC auditorium roof started in September. Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd are undertaking the works.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“This is a significant milestone for the project, and it is great to see work well underway. The Sands is the region’s premier venue and the investment in the new roof and the works planned for the auditorium, will ensure it is the venue of choice for our residents and wider audiences.”
Following the temporary closure of the auditorium last year, GLL, who manage the venue on the council’s behalf moved their classical concert programme to the sports hall within The Sands.
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.
As part of the roof replacement, several associated works will also 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.
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.
For events information, visit thesandscentre.co.uk