Appointed by Cumberland Council, Carlisle firm Cubby Construction Ltd will design and replace the Sands Centre RAAC roof.

Following a detailed structural assessment last year, it was recommended that the RAAC panels in the auditorium roof need replacing.

The inspection took place because of new government guidance about RAAC use in buildings.

The council undertook a procurement process to hire a company for the job, and Cubby Construction has now been confirmed as the chosen contractor for the task.

The council will collaborate with them to finalise the design and schedule for the work.

It is hoped that the next phase will be completed by Spring.

Funding for the project has been already secured from the existing budget of the council.

The costs and timeframes will be confirmed once the final design work is complete.

Following the temporary closure of the auditorium in October, GLL, the company managing the venue for the council, moved their classical concert programme to the sports hall within the Sands.

Some event organisers have sourced alternative venues in the city, such as the Old Fire Station and Stanwix Theatre.

Cumberland Council Leader, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "We look forward to working with Cubby Construction Ltd to make the necessary improvements to The Sands Centre.

"Based upon the findings of the independent structural assessment and the engineer’s recommendations, we needed to take action to ensure the safe use of the auditorium.

"We have accelerated our plans to replace the RAAC roof as we need to protect the safety of the public whilst also providing the investment opportunity to modernise the overall experience when attending events at The Sands Centre.

"Plans were already in place for the roof, so we have taken steps to get the replacement work underway.

"Now that we have identified a contractor, we will get things moving and make the essential investment in one of the region’s premier entertainment venues."

Tommy Cubby, Managing Director of Cubby Construction Ltd, said: "Embarking on this significant project to replace the Sands Centre RAAC roof underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and modernisation of one of the region's premier entertainment venues.

"At Cubby Construction, we are honoured to be entrusted by Cumberland Council to carry out this vital task.

"Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and timely delivery will be the cornerstone of this endeavour, ensuring a seamless transition for The Sands Centre.

"Together, we look forward to not only upholding safety standards but also enhancing the overall experience for audiences and eventgoers.

"Let the construction commence, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic venue."

Despite the temporary closure of the events space, The Sands Centre's main leisure facilities, which include pools, gym, studios and sports hall, remains unaffected by the roof works.