Wates Construction has completed work on the £27 million the Sands Centre redevelopment in Carlisle.

The official opening took place last week.

Local dignitaries – including the Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson – were joined by Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman and partners.

The new Sands Centre building, funded by Carlisle City Council with support from a £2.2 million Sport England grant, is set across two storeys and accessed by a bespoke, internal street, the new build extension adds 40,000sqft to the existing building, with the redeveloped centre offering state-of-the-art facilities including a 25m main pool and a 20m learner pool complete with an innovative moveable floor.

There is a four-court sports hall with a spectator gallery, full equipped gym, and a spinning studio and dance studios. It also boasts a café and bar areas to be provided by Hickory’s.

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The improved facilities also include a range of sustainable features which will support Carlisle City Council’s plans for reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and providing sustainable, healthy transport options.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, said: "I'm delighted that work has been completed on The Sands Centre redevelopment and 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. We’re delighted to have supported the Centre to give local people more opportunities to enjoy the physical, mental and social rewards of an active lifestyle."

The project also consolidates the existing arrangements with the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) Musculoskeletal (MSK) team. The MSK team already provide treatment services at The Sands Centre but will be able to expand their services and develop new joint/collective treatment and rehabilitation activities with GLL and other partners.