The Sands Centre in Carlisle will remain closed until mid‑June 2026 while RAAC remediation and roof repairs from storm damage are completed. The venue, shut since September 2023, has seen more than 40 shows cancelled or rescheduled, prompting concerns that producers may lose confidence in the city. GLL is working with promoters and will contact ticket holders; the council says the main leisure centre will remain open and blames Storm Éowyn for additional damage. Local businesses and theatre companies warn of significant financial knock‑on effects.
Sands Centre Reopening Delayed to June 2026 — Arts Leaders Warn Producers May Lose Confidence in Carlisle
The Sands Centre in Carlisle will remain closed until mid‑June 2026 while RAAC remediation and roof repairs from storm damage are completed. The venue, shut since September 2023, has seen more than 40 shows cancelled or rescheduled, prompting concerns that producers may lose confidence in the city. GLL is working with promoters and will contact ticket holders; the council says the main leisure centre will remain open and blames Storm Éowyn for additional damage. Local businesses and theatre companies warn of significant financial knock‑on effects.
02:52 PM, 11/15/2025Culture
Sands Centre reopening pushed back amid Raac remediation and storm damage
The Sands Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria, will now remain closed until mid‑June 2026 as work continues to address reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) remediation and repairs to storm damage to the roof. The venue has been shut since September 2023.
Former arts and events manager Jonathan Higgins warned that repeated postponements have left show promoters wary of returning. "Producers just don't know where they stand," he told BBC Radio Cumbria, adding that they could "eventually lose confidence in the city and that's the real problem." Organisers say more than 40 shows have been cancelled or rescheduled because of the latest delay.
Timeline of delays: Work was originally expected to finish this autumn, then moved to early 2026, and has now been pushed back to mid‑June 2026.
"Everybody who contributes to the cultural life of the city is losing out and yet there's no compensation of any form," said David McNeill, theatre director at StagedRight Productions.
Mr McNeill said his company previously had to relocate events during earlier repair work, staging productions in a marquee over the summer. He described the costs of moving a show as "absolutely mega" and warned of knock‑on effects for local businesses such as taxi firms, restaurants and printers.
GLL, which manages the venue, said it is working with promoters to rearrange planned shows and will contact ticket holders with updates. Cumberland Council, the building owner, said the extended closure is due to a series of problems beyond its control and blamed further delays on damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year, which tore a temporary canopy.
The council emphasised that the main leisure centre operations will not be affected by the continued closure of the theatre and performance spaces.
What is RAAC?
RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is a lightweight form of concrete used in some public buildings in the mid‑20th century; when problems are identified, remediation can require extensive and prolonged repair work to ensure structural safety.
Next steps: Promoters and ticket holders should await direct communications from GLL about rescheduled dates and refunds where applicable. Local cultural organisations are urging clearer timelines and support to help the sector recover.