'Theatre delays will cost reputation of city'

Former arts and events manager at the centre Jonathan Higgins said producers "didn't know where they stand"

Delays to theatre repairs will cause show producers to "lose confidence" in a city, arts bosses have warned.

The reopening of The Sands Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria, was delayed again to June 2026, for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) works and storm repairs to the roof.

A former arts and events manager at the venue, Jonathan Higgins, said show promoters were cautious about coming back to the city because some had had productions either cancelled or rescheduled on multiple occasions.

Building owner Cumberland Council said the venue, which shut in September 2023, had been hit by a series of issues that were out "of its control".

Mr Higgins told Radio Cumbria that producers "just don't know where they stand" and would "eventually lose confidence in the city and that's the real problem".

Work had been due to finish this autumn but was pushed back to early 2026 and then delayed again to mid-June.

More than 40 shows were cancelled or had to be rescheduled because of the latest delay.

Storm Éowyn delayed the completion of the Sands Centre roof

GLL, which manages the venue, said it was working with promoters to rearrange planned shows and would contact ticket holders.

Theatre director David McNeill, from StagedRight Productions, said they previously had to make alternative arrangements because of repairs and had to stage productions in a marquee in the summer.

He said the financial implications of moving a show were "absolutely mega".

He also said local taxi firms, restaurants and printers were being affected.

"Everybody who contributes to the cultural life of the city is losing out and yet there's no compensation of any form," he added.

The Labour-led council blamed delays on damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year, which damaged a temporary canopy.

The running of the main leisure centre would be unaffected, the council said.