Sands Centre's events season cancelled over ongoing roof works
A leisure venue's autumn and pantomime season will not go ahead after work to remove unsafe concrete in the auditorium roof was slowed by storm damage.The removal of approximately 200 tonnes of concrete at the Sands Centre, in Carlisle, got under way last year, but January's Storm Éowyn hit a temporary canopy.GLL, which manages the venue on behalf of Cumberland Council, said it was working with promoters to reschedule events which were due to be staged between 1 September and 31 January.It is asking people not to contact the box office, adding its team would be in touch with all affected ticket holders in the coming weeks with "further details about their options".
The events space has been shut since 2023 following a change in government guidance over the use of Raac, a type of concrete found to have safety risks.The council initially aimed to have the work completed by late spring, but now says it hopes to have it finished this winter, with the entertainment programme restarting early next year.Council leader Mark Fryer said the contractor appointed for the job had faced "several challenges", with the storm having had "a major impact on the completion of the necessary works".Alongside the removal of the concrete, the ventilation system will be upgraded, the lighting system enhanced and customer seating replaced, while changes will also be made to the back-of-house facilities.The closure of the events space does not impact on the centre's swimming pools, gym, studios or sports hall.
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