Raac-hit theatre to resume shows after long delays
Stuart Walker/Cumberland CouncilA council-owned theatre which was shut to remove crumbling concrete is to reopen after months of delays.
The Sands Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria, was shut in September 2023 to allow for 200 tonnes of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) to be removed, but fresh delays meant the venue had to reschedule dozens of shows.
Cumberland Council said finishing touches to the interior of the auditorium space were being carried out and the full events programme would resume from mid-June.
The council's leader, Mark Fryer, said it had been a "highly complex project" involving building a new roof and an improved auditorium space.
The reopening of the venue was delayed again in November for Raac works and storm repairs to the roof.
More than 40 shows were cancelled or had to be rescheduled because of the latest delay.
Operator Greenwich Leisure Ltd said it had "successfully dealt with all affected performances and had contacted customers directly with rescheduled dates or other options".
"We are extremely excited to welcome audiences back to our venue this summer and can't wait to welcome back many premier productions to our great city," a spokesperson added.
Remaining scaffolding surrounding the site would soon be taken down, the council said, and finishing touches to new customer seating, lighting renewal and a full refurbishment to the backstage facilities were also being made.
