The £27 million Sands Centre redevelopment has reached another milestone and is set to be completed in the autumn.
Work is well underway to complete new swimming provision at the site.
The tanks for the two swimming pools have been installed and have passed the water retaining test. Work has begun to complete the main pool structure, fit the pool equipment, and install the finishes and equipment.
The roof slab, external frame, substructure, and intermediate floor slabs are complete. Work is underway to fit the external cladding, curtain walling and windows to make the building weathertight.
National contractor Wates Construction is undertaking the work on behalf of Carlisle City Council.
Leader of Carlisle City Council, John Mallinson, said: “I’m delighted with the progress on The Sands Centre redevelopment. Work is well underway, and I’d like to thank all those involved in driving the project forward during challenging times.
“The Sands Centre redevelopment represents a cornerstone in our plans to support our communities to continue to improve their health and wellbeing. Carlisle is in urgent need of new swimming facilities. This is a one-off opportunity with a dual benefit of all the facilities being on one site. I look forward to seeing its completion later this year.”
The new two-storey Sands Centre building will be accessed by a bespoke, internal street, the new build extension will add 40,000sqft to the existing building, with the redeveloped centre offering state-of-the-art facilities including a 25m main pool and a 20m learner pool complete with an innovative moveable floor.
There will be a four-court sports hall with a spectator gallery, a 120-station fitness suite, and a spinning studio, as well as improvements to the existing events hall.
It will also boast a café and bar area and dance studios.
Dave Saville, regional director North West, Wates Construction, said: “We are pleased that Wates has played a part in this important redevelopment for the city of Carlisle.
“This project further marks our commitment to the city, the wider Cumbria region and to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We are proud to have generated over 50 graduate, training, and apprenticeship opportunities as well as ensuring over half our site team are from the local area. We look forward to completing this project as well as delivering a lasting positive impact for people across the region.”
The project will also consolidate the existing arrangements with the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust Musculoskeletal (MSK) team. The team already provides treatment services at The Sands Centre but will be able to expand their services and develop new joint/collective treatment and rehabilitation activities with GLL and other partners.
The existing pools provision on James Street will remain in place until all construction at The Sands Centre has been completed.
