A new 25-metre swimming pool, sports hall and University teaching facilities are included in exciting development proposals for The Sands Centre, Carlisle, estimated to cost around £15million.

A partnership of Carlisle City Council, the University of Cumbria and Carlisle Leisure Limited has drawn together the outline proposals which include:

• A new eight-lane 25metre swimming pool, teaching pool and spectator seating
• A new sports hall and extended gym area
• Refurbished changing areas
• Enhanced conference facilities, exercise to music and reception areas
• Making the existing main hall events use only, allowing it to attract a more diverse and exciting programme. Increasing the capacity and making the primary use of the main hall more flexible
• Offices, teaching space, sports performance labs, a conditioning room and sports injuries and rehabilitation clinic for the University of Cumbria’s School of Sport which is proposing to use The Sands Centre and The Sheepmount as its main base.

The plans will be considered by Carlisle City Council’s Executive on Friday 16 October.


The University of Cumbria is committed to working with Carlisle Leisure Limited and Carlisle City Council on this exciting development for the benefit of the people in this area.

If the scheme is agreed by all partners and subject to planning permission, the work could start in 2010 and be completed by autumn 2012.

(CD/GK)