New plans proposed for Carlisle’s Sands Centre

(Date of issue: Monday, 9 February 2009)

Plans to move forward with a proposed major redevelopment at The Sands Centre, which could result in a new pool, sports hall and specialist teaching facilities, will be considered by Carlisle City Council’s Executive next Monday (16 February).

A partnership of Carlisle City Council, the University of Cumbria and Carlisle Leisure Limited have drawn together an outline proposal which now needs more detailed work, including a transport assessment and a business plan, as well as being fully costed.

Following initial discussions, the enhanced sports facility could include a 25-metre pool and a new sports hall. Teaching facilities and specialised sports fitness testing and performance assessment areas for University of Cumbria students are also being considered.

Carlisle City Council’s Director of Community Services, Mike Battersby, said:

"Carlisle City Council is committed to providing high quality services and we have a proven record of enhancing our sports facilities. The Sheepmount has undergone a recent redevelopment and The Sands proposals could provide another opportunity, working with partners, to look at how we can build on this success.

"Although the redevelopment of The Sands Centre has considerable merit and would be a bold and positive step, we are at the very early stages and further detailed investigation is required before any proposals can move forward."

The Executive initially set aside £20,000 to fund a study into the possible redevelopment of The Sands Centre in 2008. The redevelopment originally planned to build a new sports hall on The Sands Centre site. The current proposals have been further developed following discussions amongst the partners.

The University of Cumbria has signed a ‘letter of intent’ and the City Council’s Executive will be recommended to endorse this at their February meeting. This will allow for further work to be undertaken and if agreed, this detailed work would be completed by early summer.

Peter Armer, Director of Resources Finance & Estates for the University of Cumbria says:

"The University plans major presence in Carlisle and partnerships with Carlisle City Council, Carlisle Leisure and Carlisle Renaissance are paramount to contributing to our aspirations. This intention gives life to these partnerships and augers well for future developments.

"Sports facilities of a high quality are vital if we are to attract students to the City, and I am certain that the new facilities under discussion will prove to be a catalyst for growth in the student community of Carlisle."

Chair of the Carlisle Leisure Limited Board, Eric Thomson, said:

"Carlisle Leisure Ltd is delighted to be a partner in the potential development of The Sands Centre. As the Council’s leisure management operator we are well positioned to advise and assist in determining the shape and extent of additional facilities and their use.

"We are about to launch our new long term strategy and this type of development fits very well with our aspirations and we look forward to working with the Council and the University and to hopefully see the fruition of a really exciting and innovative development for the benefit of the people of Carlisle and the wider community."

A sports facilities feasibility study produced by the City Council in 2006 identified the need for a synthetic pitch, additional swimming pools and a sports hall. A synthetic pitch opened at The Sheepmount late last month.