The Sands Centre in Carlisle Shortlisted as Finalist for UKActive Awards 2023
The Sands Centre in Carlisle Shortlisted as Finalist for UKActive Awards 2023
The Sands Centre in Carlisle, a thriving hub of leisure and cultural activities, has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious UKActive Awards 2023 in the category of "New Build or Design of the Year." Operated by GLL, the UK's largest public leisure and libraries provider, The Sands Centre has gained recognition for its outstanding transformation following a £23 million rebuild in 2022.
The Sands Centre, situated at the heart of the local community, has long been a symbol of Carlisle's commitment to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of its residents. Its unique combination of a popular theatre and a modern leisure centre with wet and dry side facilities has made it a centre of regional significance for leisure and a Grade 1 touring venue for events.
The decision to embark on a £23 million rebuild in 2022 was a pivotal moment for The Sands Centre, with the vision of creating a modern, fully accessible, vibrant facility with a genuine "wow factor." This transformation has not only succeeded in raising activity levels but has also played a vital role in local regeneration and employment.
The rebuilt centre boasts a range of cutting-edge features designed to cater to a diverse range of visitors. Its crown jewel is a 25-meter, 8-lane main pool accompanied by a 20-meter by 7-meter teaching pool with a full-length movable floor, facilitating various aquatic activities and swimming lessons.
Three flexible studios, equipped with removable soundproof walls, cater to diverse groups and activities, making it an ideal space for everything from yoga classes to high-intensity workouts. The 90-piece gym, complete with an integrated fixed bike studio, emphasizes the transition from musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation to general physical activity, promoting holistic well-being.
The architecture of The Sands Centre has been thoughtfully designed, with open sightlines that encourage curiosity in new activities and create a sense of spaciousness, while also providing private areas for focused exercise. The presence of a café and bars further enhances the social aspect, providing spaces for rest, relaxation, and socializing—a vital component of improving mental well-being.
One of the standout features of the rebuilt centre is the 12-consultation room MSK suite, strategically located close to the main entrance. This design choice ensures that patients are kept away from the clinical care environment, immersing them in the community hub atmosphere of The Sands Centre.
Additionally, the inclusion of a new 4-court sports hall has allowed the leisure program to flourish as the events space is freed up, attracting more artists and performers to the region. This multi-functional facility in the heart of the city now accommodates a wide demographic and age groups, fostering participation, sports and health improvement, and hosting major international music and theatre productions.
The recognition as a finalist for the UKActive Awards 2023 is a testament to The Sands Centre's dedication to the community's well-being and the success of its remarkable transformation. The centre’s commitment to providing a modern, attractive, and accessible leisure facility serves as a shining example of how such spaces can uplift communities, support diverse needs, and contribute to the fabric of the local built environment.
The winners of the UKActive Awards 2023 will be announced at a prestigious ceremony later this year, where The Sands Centre in Carlisle hopes to secure the title of "New Build or Design of the Year," further cementing its status as a beacon of well-being and culture in the region.
Carlisle, United Kingdom - September 19, 2023
The Sands Centre in Carlisle, a thriving hub of leisure and cultural activities, has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious UKActive Awards 2023 in the category of "New Build or Design of the Year." Operated by GLL, the UK's largest public leisure and libraries provider, The Sands Centre has gained recognition for its outstanding transformation following a £23 million rebuild in 2022.
The Sands Centre, situated at the heart of the local community, has long been a symbol of Carlisle's commitment to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of its residents. Its unique combination of a popular theatre and a modern leisure centre with wet and dry side facilities has made it a centre of regional significance for leisure and a Grade 1 touring venue for events.
The decision to embark on a £23 million rebuild in 2022 was a pivotal moment for The Sands Centre, with the vision of creating a modern, fully accessible, vibrant facility with a genuine "wow factor." This transformation has not only succeeded in raising activity levels but has also played a vital role in local regeneration and employment.
The rebuilt centre boasts a range of cutting-edge features designed to cater to a diverse range of visitors. Its crown jewel is a 25-meter, 8-lane main pool accompanied by a 20-meter by 7-meter teaching pool with a full-length movable floor, facilitating various aquatic activities and swimming lessons.
Three flexible studios, equipped with removable soundproof walls, cater to diverse groups and activities, making it an ideal space for everything from yoga classes to high-intensity workouts. The 90-piece gym, complete with an integrated fixed bike studio, emphasizes the transition from musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation to general physical activity, promoting holistic well-being.
The architecture of The Sands Centre has been thoughtfully designed, with open sightlines that encourage curiosity in new activities and create a sense of spaciousness, while also providing private areas for focused exercise. The presence of a café and bars further enhances the social aspect, providing spaces for rest, relaxation, and socializing—a vital component of improving mental well-being.
One of the standout features of the rebuilt centre is the 12-consultation room MSK suite, strategically located close to the main entrance. This design choice ensures that patients are kept away from the clinical care environment, immersing them in the community hub atmosphere of The Sands Centre.
Additionally, the inclusion of a new 4-court sports hall has allowed the leisure program to flourish as the events space is freed up, attracting more artists and performers to the region. This multi-functional facility in the heart of the city now accommodates a wide demographic and age groups, fostering participation, sports and health improvement, and hosting major international music and theatre productions.
The recognition as a finalist for the UKActive Awards 2023 is a testament to The Sands Centre's dedication to the community's well-being and the success of its remarkable transformation. The centre’s commitment to providing a modern, attractive, and accessible leisure facility serves as a shining example of how such spaces can uplift communities, support diverse needs, and contribute to the fabric of the local built environment.
The winners of the UKActive Awards 2023 will be announced at a prestigious ceremony later this year, where The Sands Centre in Carlisle hopes to secure the title of "New Build or Design of the Year," further cementing its status as a beacon of well-being and culture in the region.