Events at Carlisle’s Sands Centre are set to restart from next month.
Cumberland Council said work to replace the roof and improve the auditorium space was reaching its final stages.
A full events programme will resume from mid-June.
The first act scheduled to appear are The Drifters on June 17.
The Sands Centre’s auditorium has been closed since reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels were discovered in the auditorium’s roof in September 2023.
The material had to be removed after government guidance changed about the use of it in buildings.
Contractors Cubby Construction began work in 2024.
It was hoped the auditorium would reopen in autumn of 2025 but work was paused after Cubby Construction was acquired by Cubby Group in July.
Cumberland Council said in November that work had restarted following agreement on a revised programme with Cubby Group.
The complex repair work has been completed with 200 tonnes of the old RAAC roof panels removed and a new roof installed.
The redesigned temporary roof structure, which has provided upgraded protection during the roof replacement, is being removed this week and remaining scaffolding surrounding the site will soon be dismantled.
Work continues on the finishing touches to the interior of the improved auditorium space – including a full replacement of the customer seating, auditorium and theatre lighting renewal and a full refurbishment to the backstage facilities.
Further improvements to the auditorium floor will be carried out in the summer and will not impact on the events programme, the authority said.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “The finishing touches are now being made on this highly complex project.
“The necessary repairs and upgrades have been made, plus we have taken the opportunity to make improvements to the events space.
“Better seating and upgrades which will result in a better visitor experience for The Sands Centre customers. Get your tickets soon for upcoming events!”
Kirk Taylor, managing director of Cubby Construction, said: “We’ve made significant progress over the last few months and pleased to report that our contracted works are set to be completed as planned.
“Removal of the protective temporary roof structure and scaffolding is currently underway and we’re on track to facilitate a handover back to Cumberland Council and GLL.
“Cubby Construction is proud to have played a key role in enhancing and improving this important community asset.”
Greenwich Leisure Ltd, known as GLL is the operator of The Sands Centre.
A spokesman said: “It is great to see the work coming to a conclusion – enabling events to resume next month.
“We have now successfully dealt with all affected performances and have contacted customers directly with rescheduled dates and/or their available options.
“We are extremely excited to welcome audiences back to our venue this summer and can’t wait to welcome back many premier productions to our great city.”
As part of the roof replacement, several associated works have also been carried out. These include upgrading the ventilation system, enhancing the lighting systems, 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 has not impacted on the day to day running of the main leisure centre.
The new main Sands Centre leisure provision continues to be open to customers including the pools, gym, studios, sports hall and Riverside Café.
