Work to remove the RAAC panels from The Sands Centre auditorium roof has taken another step forward, with the help of a 130-tonne crane working at a height of 14 metres above ground level.
A secure enclosure is being created to keep the building watertight for when the panels are removed in the New Year.
Cubby Construction, working on behalf of Cumberland Council, will carefully remove the panels in sequence over a period of four to six weeks. This process will be weather-dependent and can only be undertaken when the wind speed is below 7m per second.
Due to the size of the crane, the work is clearly visible across the cityscape.
Approximately 200 tonnes of RAAC concrete will be removed from the project and delivered in 20 tonne wagons to a local recycling yard where it will be crushed and mixed in to make ballast for future construction projects.
Cumberland Council is aiming to have the roof works completed by late spring 2025.
Internal improvements will then be completed over the summer followed by a new full programme of events starting in autumn 2025.
Preparatory work to replace the Sands Centre, Carlisle RAAC auditorium roof started in September. Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd are undertaking the works.
