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.
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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.
(CD/JM)
