A £6 million extension to a leisure building in Cumbria means new conference and event facilities will be opened.
The University of Cumbria pledged to add an additional £3-4 million to the extension of the Sands Centre, following Carlisle City Council''''s concept for £3 million renovations, reports the Cumberland News.
A new swimming pool and sports facilities will be created in the area, freeing up existing space for exhibitions, conferences and concerts.
It is expected the new facility will be open by October 2011.
Mike Mitchelson, council leader, described the project as an exciting one.
"Having the main hall freed up for events means there is more capacity to take concerts, exhibitions and conferences, enhancing Carlisle''''s offer as a conference centre," he tells the source.
The council needs to secure funding for the project before it can ahead, but may be able to get a grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.
Later this month the Civic Centre in Carlisle is due to hold the Fairtrade Business Conference, which is Cumbria''''s first ever.
