Large Crane Deployed for Raac Removal at Venue’s Roof

A 130-tonne crane has been deployed to facilitate the removal of concrete panels, identified as potentially hazardous, from the roof of a venue. The Sands Centre, located in Carlisle, has remained shut for over a year following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) panels within its auditorium’s roof structure. Approximately 200 tonnes of this concrete material are slated for extraction from the facility over a period spanning four to six weeks. Mark Fryer, who serves as the leader of Cumberland Council, characterized the crane’s arrival as a “significant milestone for the project”. He further stated, “The Sands is the region’s premier venue and the investment in the new roof and the works planned for the auditorium will ensure it is the venue of choice for our residents and wider audiences.” The commencement of this work is scheduled for the new year, taking place at an elevation of 14m (46ft) above ground level. This removal operation is contingent on weather conditions and can only proceed when wind speeds remain below 7m (23ft) per second. Following its extraction from the structure, the concrete will be transported in 20-tonne wagons to a recycling yard, where it will undergo crushing and mixing for the production of ballast. Concurrently, the council is undertaking several internal refurbishment projects at the site, including the replacement of seating and enhancements to the ventilation, fire alarm, and lighting systems. Subsequent to the auditorium’s closure last year, GLL, the entity responsible for managing the venue on behalf of the council, relocated its classical concert series to The Sands’ sports hall. The council’s objective is to finalize the roof works by mid-2025.