Raac-hit venue reopening delay affects 40 shows

The Sands Centre shut in September 2023 after Raac was found there

A council-owned venue will have to reschedule dozens of shows after a fresh delay in work to remove crumbling concrete.

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.

Cumberland Council, which owns the building, had initially said it would reopen for this autumn's season, but the date was pushed back to early 2026. The authority has now confirmed shows will be rescheduled until mid-June.

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

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

"We understand the frustration and disappointment for ticket holders," said Mark Fryer, leader of the council.

He added repairs had been hit by "a series of issues that were out of our control".

GLL, which manages the venue, said it was working with promoters to rearrange planned shows.

Shows are expected to resume in June

More than 40 shows were listed as scheduled to take place at The Sands Centre between February and the end of May.

They include Peter Andre in The Very Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and comedians Rhod Gilbert and Chris McCausland's stand-up shows.

GLL asked ticket-holders not to contact the box office and said they would be contacted as soon as possible.

GLL said it was trying to reschedule shows

The council said it would also carry out internal improvements during this time, including replacing seating, upgrades to the back of house facilities and the ventilation system.

It added the roof access would be improved "to facilitate future maintenance of the equipment located on the roof".