It is hoped work to replace the roof of Carlisle’s Sands Centre auditorium will be completed by spring.
The £2.5 million work began after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, known as RAAC, was found in the roof.
The lightweight concrete was used in the UK to build public buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s, but new guidance on its use was introduced by the previous government, forcing the auditorium to close.
Cumberland Council said it aimed to have the roof work completed by late spring, internal improvements will be completed over the summer – including a full replacement of seating and upgrades to the back of house facilities.
A new full programme of events will start in the autumn.
Preparatory work to replace the RAAC auditorium roof started in September. Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd is undertaking the work.
Following the temporary closure of the auditorium last year, GLL, which manages the venue on the council’s behalf, moved the classical concert programme to the sports hall within the centre.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: “Now that a date has been provisionally put in place for the roof works to be completed, GLL will start to work with promoters to line up a programme.”
A GLL spokesman fadded: “We’re thrilled to see these transformative works begin. The roof replacement is just the first step in securing our venue’s longevity and we can’t wait for what the future holds. The internal modernisation works, including new auditorium seating and upgraded backstage facilities, will enhance the experience for everyone, both on and off stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to our venue and hope that The Sands Centre will continue to serve as a home for premier entertainment for many years to come! We are now working to bring back all the large scale shows, gigs and events our audiences know and love, as we return to hosting a wide variety of new and exciting experiences for everyone in Cumbria, South West Scotland and beyond!”
The ventilation system and fire alarm system will also be upgraded and the lighting system enhanced as part of the work.
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.
The new main Sands Centre building’s leisure provision is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall.
