Events at Carlisle’s Sands Centre are restarting today after three years.
The auditorium at the venue is set to welcome back audiences this evening Wednesday 17 June.
The events space has been closed since reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels were discovered in the auditorium’s roof in September 2023.
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, has been removed and scaffolding is being dismantled.
The improved auditorium space includes 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.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “We could have just done the basic roof repairs, but we have done a lot more than that. It is now a safe and improved events venue – fit for the future.
“The upgrades mean that the visitor experience for customers has been greatly improved.
“The works are part of a £100 million investment in Carlisle and have resulted in an improved events facility that will benefit the wider Cumberland area.
“The reopening marks a positive milestone for the city’s events, leisure and tourism offer.”
The works have been undertaken by Cubby Construction on the council’s behalf. Greenwich Leisure Ltd operate The Sands Centre on behalf of Cumberland Council.
Daniel Charlton, Venue Manager for The Sands Centre, said: “It is great that the works are finally complete.
“We are extremely excited to welcome audiences back to our venue this week and can’t wait to see your reactions to the improvements that have been made to the auditorium and overall experience!
“We would encourage anyone who hasn’t already to visit our website and book a ticket for one of the many exciting shows scheduled to come to the venue and to follow us on social media to keep up to date with all the amazing announcements being made all the time.”
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.
Roof access will also 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 has remained open to customers including the pools, gym, studios, sports hall and Riverside Café.
