Council plans to move shows elsewhere whilst Carlisle centre is shut

Cumberland Council say they are working hard to move performances from the Sands Centre to other venues, after they were told that it has to remain shut until roofing tiles are replaced.

The centre has been closed since September, after RAAC concrete was found in parts of the auditorium.

Numerous performances have now had to be cancelled. In an update yesterday, the council said they are looking to move shows to other venues in Carlisle, in order to minimise disruption.

Council leader Mark Fryer said: "We are working with some of the local venues, which will be positive for them. If we can move shows to some other local venues it'll help, but obviously the larger ones will prove a lot more difficult"

Mr Fryer also admits that the local economy could be impacted, adding: "The hotels are fully, people are spending in restaurants. It's a significant impact when you have a venue like this operating in the city, and then it's closed"

The decision to temporarily close the events space 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.