The Sands Centre improvements will include:
The new extension will significantly improve the access opportunities for all our communities to use and enjoy the facilities and services. Access to the building will be significantly improved from all points as will the internal layout.
The development of the project has used an inclusive design approach to ensure equal access and wellbeing. This will assist users with physical and other conditions such as dementia to make full use of the site and surroundings.
As part of the redevelopment, improvements will also be made to the existing entertainment area this will include new seating. Due to the necessary improvements to the insultation, the acoustics should also be improved.
A sustainable approach has been taken with the design and we will meet our obligations to improve CO₂ levels. This will take the form of insulating the building, removing and replacing the PV units on the roof, replacing key items of plant with modern energy efficient equipment, the introduction of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) and the introduction of more energy efficient lighting.
During the development phase of the project we established the current and predicted water space requirements. The flexibility afforded by the small pool movable floor and the use of lanes in the main pool will allow GLL to meet the requirements. The current programme will shift to meet the new facilities, but this may also present new opportunities in particular in the small pool.
Currently, neither a hydrotherapy pool or climbing wall are included in the design as we are mindful of the budget and have taken advice from GLL re what leisure provision is required within the facility. However the building is adaptable and could be revisited in the future.
We have looked at the issue of potential flooding extensively. A flood specialist formed part of the design team and worked with the Environment Agency on the design specifications. Although the site was not significantly flooded in either 2005 or 2015, the building has been designed to be flood resilient and the Pool area would be raised higher than other parts of the building. Flood water would not be displaced as other areas have been designed to allow water to enter the building.
Durable/resilient materials will be incorporated into the design to allow the building to be brought back into use quickly.
As part of the redevelopment plans, our planning consultants undertook a flood risk assessment. The Environment Agency and Cumbria County Council (the Local Flood Authority) were both satisfied that the impact of the development would not be significant, and the proposals were therefore acceptable.