Questions will be asked next week over what exactly was known about the presence of aerated concrete in the Sands Centre in Carlisle.
In September it was revealed that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was initially found in the auditorium roof in 2019 and had since been monitored by local authorities.
Following a change in government advice all events at the venue’s auditorium were postponed again due the presence of RAAC in the building but the new main Sands Centre building – which includes the pools, gym, sports halls, café, bars and restaurant – was unaffected.
At Tuesday’s November 21 meeting of Cumberland Council councillor Helen Davison Belah, Green Party, the leader of the Green Group, will quiz council leader, councillor Mark Fryer.
She will ask: “Knowing that the roof of the main events hall at the Sands Centre in Carlisle was built using RAAC when did the first survey take place?
“And if it was known to be present why were remedial works not undertaken at the same time the new pool building was built and why was the box office still selling tickets when they knew it was about to close?”
The change in advice came just days before the start of the new school year and more than 100 schools in England were told to shut buildings made with RAAC unless they put in place safety measures.
RAAC is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.
It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete which is quicker to produce and easier to install.
However, it is less durable, has a lifespan of around 30 years and Its structural behaviour differs greatly from more traditional reinforced concrete.
In addition, it is susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture and its bubbles can allow water to enter the material.
Tuesday’s public council meeting is due to start at 1pm and will be held at the Civic Centre in Carlisle.
