Carlisle’s steel-framed Sands Centre officially opened

The new redeveloped Sands Centre, funded by Carlisle City Council with support from a £2.2M Sport England grant, has been officially opened.

Set across two storeys and accessed by a bespoke, internal street, the new steel-framed extension has added 3,700m² to the existing building, with the redeveloped leisure centre offering state-of-the-art facilities including a 25m main pool and a 20m learner pool complete with an innovative moveable floor.

Other facilities include a four-court sports hall with a spectator gallery, full equipped gym, a spinning studio and dance studio, and a café.

Working on behalf of main contractor Wates, Border Steelwork Structures fabricated, supplied and erected 418t of steel for the project.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, said: “I’m delighted that work has been completed on The Sands Centre redevelopment and I would like to pass on my thanks to our project team, partners and contractors.

“Massive improvements have been made to the site and it will provide huge benefits for the wellbeing of our communities. The project has had to overcome lots of challenges, but the benefits will last for many generations to come.”

Chris Boardman MBE, Chair of Sport England, said: “Sport England’s mission is to make sure that everyone – regardless of background, bank balance, gender or where they live – has the opportunity to get active. And fantastic spaces like the Sands Centre can play a huge part in that.”