A new programme of events is set to begin at the Sands Centre in Autumn 2025 – two years since the auditorium was forced to close.

Following a detailed structural assessment of the roof last year by specialist engineers, a recommendation was put forward to replace the RAAC panels in the auditorium roof.

The assessment of the roof was undertaken following the change in the previous government’s guidance on the use of RAAC in buildings.

A weeklong run of Shrek the musical was cancelled with only hours to spare and scores of touring shows and performances have been cancelled over the past year including the annual pantomime.

Cumberland Council is aiming to have the roof works completed by late spring 2025.

Internal improvements will then be completed over the summer followed by a new full programme of events starting in autumn 2025.

The total cost of the work is £2.5 million which the council said has been secured from within “existing council capital budgets.”

Preparatory work to replace the Sands Centre, Carlisle RAAC auditorium roof started in September. Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd are undertaking the works.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer has welcomed the news.

“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,” said Cllr Fryer.

“As the region’s premier entertainment venue, we look forward to seeing the return of an improved venue for our residents, businesses and visitors.”

Following the temporary closure of the auditorium last year, GLL, who manage the venue on the council’s behalf moved their classical concert programme to the sports hall within The Sands.

A spokesperson for GLL added: "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.

“In the meantime, we advise customers keep an eye on thesandscentre.co.uk and our Social Media channels for show announcements, news updates and much more.”

In addition to the removal and replacement of the RAAC panels, the council is also undertaking some additional internal improvements to the auditorium including a full replacement of the customer seating and upgrades to the back of house facilities.

As part of the roof replacement, several associated works will also be carried out.

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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.

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 to allow the works to be undertaken does not impact on the day to day running of the main leisure centre.

The new main Sands Centre building’s leisure provision is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall.