GLL are ‘reviewing the financial implications’ after it was announced that the Sands Centre auditorium would be closed for an ‘extended’ period of time.

A detailed structural assessment has been completed and engineers are recommending that the auditorium remains closed until the RAAC panels in the roof are replaced.

Mitigating steps to allow The Sands Centre to continue hosting events for a temporary period have been ruled out as they would have restricted the use of the auditorium leaving insufficient space for audiences and shows.

Concern has been raised about job prospects at the venue but Sands Centre operator, GLL, said that they ‘hope to redeploy and reuse Sands Centre staff’ to ‘support the region’s cultural services’ but couldn’t offer detailed plans.  

A spokesperson for GLL said: “GLL is working closely with the Council to minimise the effects on staff of this enforced closure. 

We hope to redeploy and reuse Sands Centre staff in ways that will support the region’s cultural services.

“However, we won’t be in a position to provide detailed plans, until a clear timeline regarding the period of closure is established.

“Although the immediate situation is challenging, we are very hopeful that it will lead to bigger and better opportunities in the longer term; so, will ultimately be good news for the cultural provision in the region”.

“We are currently reviewing the financial implications of an ‘extended’ closure on all those involved.”

The ever-popular pantomime has been cancelled for this year which is a blow for many families across the region and, whilst there are no plans to reschedule it, Cumberland Council say they are working with other venues to see if any shows can be put on elsewhere in the city and surrounding area.

READ MORE: Sands Centre Auditorium, Carlisle to remain closed for extended period

“It’s unbelievably disappointing,” said Cumberland Council leader, Mark Fryer, “but we've been put in a position where the legislation's changed and we have to carry the work out right away.

“In the previous position we’d have been able to manage it a lot better than what we are now, but we have to go out and get a contractor in.

“Those timescales will flesh themselves out and we'll be able to come back in two or three months to tell to tell people how long it's going to be closed for.

“Obviously there’s not another auditorium with the size of the Sands Centre but we’re working with GLL and looking at venues within the city and surrounding area to see if we can move them and work with them.”