Initial work to replace the roof of the Sands Centre’s auditorium is set to start next month.
The auditorium had to be closed after reinforced autoclaved aeriated concrete, known as RAAC, was found during an assessment by specialist engineers last year.
The assessment was carried out after a change in the previous government’s guidance on the use of RAAC in buildings.
A recommendation was put forward to replace the RAAC panels in the auditorium roof.
In January, Cumberland Council appointed Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd to carry out the work and following the agreement of a design for the replacement of the RAAC panels, the project will enter its construction phase.
Funding has already been secured from within existing council capital budgets, Cumberland Council said. The work is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
As well as 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, 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, which manages the venue on the council’s behalf, moved its classical concert programme to the sports hall within The Sands Centre.
The temporary closure of the events space to allow the work 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 GLL spokesman 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.”
