The main events auditorium at Carlisle’s Sands Centre has reopened following the successful completion of a major roof replacement and refurbishment project delivered by Cubby Construction in partnership with Cumberland Council and GLL.
The venue’s live events programme is now back underway, with legendary vocal group The Drifters taking to the stage on 17 June as the first act to perform in the newly reopened auditorium.
The complex programme of works saw the removal of approximately 200 tonnes of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof panels and the installation of a new roof structure, securing the future of one of Cumbria’s most important entertainment venues.
Throughout the project, which saw an on-site workforce of up to 50 Cubby operatives, a specially designed temporary roof structure provided enhanced protection while the replacement works were carried out. This was successfully removed at the beginning of June with the remainder of the external scaffolding being removed over the coming weeks.
In addition to the roof replacement, the project delivered a number of improvements to the building’s infrastructure. These included upgrades to the ventilation system, enhanced lighting throughout the auditorium and the installation of an improved fire alarm system. Roof access has also been redesigned to provide safer and easier maintenance access for equipment located at high level.
The scale of the project was reflected in the works required to safely deliver the programme. More than 16 miles of scaffolding components were used throughout the build, designed and erected by Laidlaw Scaffolding, sister company to Cubby Construction and part of Cubby Group.
The reopening marks a significant milestone for Carlisle’s cultural and entertainment scene, restoring a much-loved venue that has hosted generations of performers and audiences. With the live events programme once again underway, the Sands Centre is ready to play a leading role in the city’s social and cultural life for many years to come.
