THE SANDS Centre auditorium is expected to open in spring 2025 following £2.5m of construction work to the building's roof, it has been announced.
In September last year, events at the centre's auditorium were cancelled following a change in government guidance on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
It had originally been found to be present in the auditorium roof in 2019.
Preparatory work to replace the roof will start in September with the multi-million-pound funding already being secured from within existing council capital budgets.
In addition to the removal and replacement of the RAAC panels, which is being carried out by Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd, the council is also undertaking some additional internal improvements including a full replacement of the customer seating and upgrades to the back of house facilities.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr 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," he said.
The main Sands Centre building’s leisure centre, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall, is unaffected by the ongoing work.
Read more: Councillor's frustration at delays to Sands Centre auditorium repair
The classical concert programme, which will run throughout the rest of this year, has been temporarily relocated to the sports hall.
A spokesperson for venue managers GLL 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.
"In the meantime, we advise customers to keep an eye on thesandscentre.co.uk and our social media channels for show announcements, news updates and more.”
Confirmation of the opening date of the event centre and the events programme for 2025 will be provided by Cumberland Council and GLL in due course.
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